Eye injuries caused by bungee cords.
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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
The authors identified 17 patients with bungee cord-related ocular injuries.


METHODS
In identified patients, the hospital inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed in detail.


METHODS
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.
Cooney
M J
MJ
Ocular Trauma Service of the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Pieramici
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012408:Rubber; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery
D012408:Rubber