Lone K Sommer1, Henrik Lund-Andersen. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Roskilde Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark. lone.koefoed.sommer@dadlnet.dk
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe a case of lightning injury restricted to the eyes and facial skin. METHODS: Case history describing the clinical examination of a 54-year-old woman. RESULTS: Following a lightning stroke the patient suffered from a sharply demarcated facial skin burn and bilateral iridocyclitis with raised intraocular pressure. Initially she had amnesia regarding the incident. She recovered on symptomatic treatment, with dry eyes as the only sequela. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a lightning current travelled over the outside of the patient's body facilitated by her wet raincoat, a so-called flash-over. Thereby, she was spared from more severe injury, and only the exposed areas of the face and eyes were affected.
PURPOSE: To describe a case of lightning injury restricted to the eyes and facial skin. METHODS: Case history describing the clinical examination of a 54-year-old woman. RESULTS: Following a lightning stroke the patient suffered from a sharply demarcated facial skin burn and bilateral iridocyclitis with raised intraocular pressure. Initially she had amnesia regarding the incident. She recovered on symptomatic treatment, with dry eyes as the only sequela. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a lightning current travelled over the outside of the patient's body facilitated by her wet raincoat, a so-called flash-over. Thereby, she was spared from more severe injury, and only the exposed areas of the face and eyes were affected.