M J Cooney1, D J Pieramici. 1. Ocular Trauma Service of the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Bungee cords are common workplace and household items that have many uses. Despite their utility, they represent a potential source of severe ocular injury. DESIGN: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients presenting to an ocular emergency department with bungee cord-related eye injuries over a 42-month period. PARTICIPANTS: The authors identified 17 patients with bungee cord-related ocular injuries. INTERVENTION: In identified patients, the hospital inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed in detail. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, use of ocular protection, presenting and final best-corrected visual acuity, associated ocular injuries, therapeutic interventions, and anatomic results were noted. RESULTS: Fourteen (82%) of the patients had closed globe injuries and 3 (18%) had open globe injuries. A wide array of periocular, anterior segment, and posterior segment injuries were identified with hyphema being the most common associated ocular injury. Ten patients (59%) had a final visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Five patients (29%) had a final visual acuity that was less than or equal to 20/60, with three of these patients having a final visual acuity less than or equal to 4/200. Two of the three patients with open globe injuries had a final visual acuity of 20/60 or better, whereas one had no light perception. Poor visual outcome was associated with posterior segment involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The authors advocate the use of printed warnings on the packaging of bungee cords and extreme caution by those who use them. A modification in design and the use of certified safety glasses may help to decrease the incidence of bungee cord-related ocular trauma.
OBJECTIVE: Bungee cords are common workplace and household items that have many uses. Despite their utility, they represent a potential source of severe ocular injury. DESIGN: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients presenting to an ocular emergency department with bungee cord-related eye injuries over a 42-month period. PARTICIPANTS: The authors identified 17 patients with bungee cord-related ocular injuries. INTERVENTION: In identified patients, the hospital inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed in detail. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, use of ocular protection, presenting and final best-corrected visual acuity, associated ocular injuries, therapeutic interventions, and anatomic results were noted. RESULTS: Fourteen (82%) of the patients had closed globe injuries and 3 (18%) had open globe injuries. A wide array of periocular, anterior segment, and posterior segment injuries were identified with hyphema being the most common associated ocular injury. Ten patients (59%) had a final visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Five patients (29%) had a final visual acuity that was less than or equal to 20/60, with three of these patients having a final visual acuity less than or equal to 4/200. Two of the three patients with open globe injuries had a final visual acuity of 20/60 or better, whereas one had no light perception. Poor visual outcome was associated with posterior segment involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The authors advocate the use of printed warnings on the packaging of bungee cords and extreme caution by those who use them. A modification in design and the use of certified safety glasses may help to decrease the incidence of bungee cord-related ocular trauma.