PURPOSE: We describe an unusual case of corneal decompensation following air bag trauma in a 38 year-old-female. METHODS: The patient was followed clinically for 5 months post-injury with persistent corneal edema that failed to resolve, necessitating corneal transplantation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the corneal button was performed. RESULTS: SEM revealed localized areas of complete endothelial destruction. Other areas of the endothelium had cell counts under 1,000 cells per square millimeter. CONCLUSIONS: This case corroborates animal studies demonstrating endothelial cell loss from direct air bag trauma and stresses the need to possibly redesign this safety device for maximum driver protection.
PURPOSE: We describe an unusual case of corneal decompensation following air bag trauma in a 38 year-old-female. METHODS: The patient was followed clinically for 5 months post-injury with persistent corneal edema that failed to resolve, necessitating corneal transplantation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the corneal button was performed. RESULTS: SEM revealed localized areas of complete endothelial destruction. Other areas of the endothelium had cell counts under 1,000 cells per square millimeter. CONCLUSIONS: This case corroborates animal studies demonstrating endothelial cell loss from direct air bag trauma and stresses the need to possibly redesign this safety device for maximum driver protection.