Clinical Evaluation of Traumatic Wound Dehiscence Following Cataract Surgery

ABSTRACT

In 38 patients with traumatic wound dehiscence after cataract surgery, we evaluated the causes and degrees of the injury, surgical methods of repair and the final visual outcome from Aug. 1993 to Apr. 1977. Among 38 patients, twenty-five were men and thirteen were women. In 34 patients, wound dehiscence occurred within one month after cataract surgery. The common causes of wound dehiscence were trauma by the finger or fist (9 patients) and by the contusion (7 patients). But in 16 patients, the exact causes of trauma were not identified. Accompanied ocular findings were prolapsed iris (29 patients) , hyphema (9 patients) , and dislocation of intraocular lens (7 patients). All patients received operations for wound closure, iris reposition, anterior vitrectomy, intraocular lens reposition or removal, and iris partial resection. At the end of follow-up, 27 patients achieved corrected visual acuity 20/40 or over. To prevent wound dehiscence after cataract surgery, we suggest that protective eye shield should be applied at least for a month after surgery.