A Statistical Observation of Corneal Laceration and Factors Influencing Visual Prognosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the regional characteristics and the factors that influence final visual acuity in corneal laceration and use the results for prevention and treatment of corneal laceration. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients who visited the Chosun University Medical Center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 were retrospectively surveyed. The incidence of corneal laceration, sex, age, monthly and seasonal distribution, cause, site and length of corneal laceration, secondary operation, complications, and ocular trauma score were reviewed statistically. In additional, the factors influencing visual prognosis were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence was more common in males (94.1%) and in the 6th-decade of life (29.4%). The corneal laceration was more common in the summer (38.2%) and in September (26.5%) and the most common cause was stone (39.7%) and metal (35.3%), respectively. The corneal laceration tended to occur at the corneal center. The most common first operation was primary closure (81.9%), and the secondary operation was most often performed due to a traumatic cataract (32.1%). The factors that significantly influenced the final visual acuity were initial visual acuity, length and site of laceration, and secondary operation. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey investigated the regional characteristics and important factors influencing final visual acuity. Results show initial visual acuity, the length and site of laceration, and the secondary operation significantly influenced final visual acuity.