The Clinical Evaluation of Ocular Complications from Electrical Burn Injury

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This current study determined the type, incidence, characteristics of ocular complications from electrical burn and associated risk factors. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed ocular complications from electrical injury on ninety-seven consecutive electrical burn patients. RESULTS: Of the ninety-seven patients with electrical burns, twelve patients (12%) had ocular complications (cataract, uveitis, macular hole, corneal opacity, and optic atrophy). The relationship between voltage and development of ocular complication was not statistically significant. The relationship between wound size and development of ocular complication was not significant. However, the relationship between entry site and development of ocular complication was statistically significant (P=0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The patient who had electrical injury at any voltage with any wound size, especially electrical head injury for at least 6 months should be evaluated carefully.