External ocular trauma in instrumental and normal deliveries.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the occurrence of external ocular trauma in instrumental and normal deliveries.


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.


METHODS
133 babies born consecutively with the use of forceps and 133 control babies born without instrumentation to women matched for parity.


METHODS
External ocular examination.


METHODS
The presence within 24 h of birth of corneal oedema, corneal abrasion, conjunctival chemosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage and lid oedema.


RESULTS
Lid oedema and multiple minor external ocular trauma occurred in 52 and 22 babies, respectively, in the instrumental delivery group and in 13 and 8 babies, respectively in the control group (P less than 0.001). Corneal abrasion occurred in two babies and corneal oedema in one baby after forceps delivery but in none of the control group. No more serious injuries occurred. All injuries resolved without long term sequelae.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of sight threatening corneal trauma in instrumental deliveries is low. Specialist ophthalmic screening of these babies is not justified.
Holden
R
R
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Morsman
D G
DG
Davidek
G M
GM
O'Connor
G M
GM
Coles
E C
EC
Dawson
A J
AJ
D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D011446:Prospective Studies