Rupture of radial keratotomy incisions by blunt trauma 6 years after combined photorefractive keratectomy/radial keratotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of traumatic corneal rupture that occurred 6 years previous, following combined radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
A 28-year-old man experienced a severe direct trauma to the right eye. Upon initial examination, a ruptured globe was diagnosed. Four of the eight radial incisions were ruptured with extrusion of intraocular tissues. The patient was also diagnosed with a fracture of the medial wall of the right orbit. The patient received immediate surgery during which the radial incisions that had been torn were stitched with a suture.


RESULTS
Following the postoperative period, the patient had visual acuity of light perception.


CONCLUSIONS
PRK, carried out on a cornea already treated with RK, may increase the likelihood of rupture in blunt trauma.
Artola
Alberto
A
Refractive Surgery and Cornea Unit, Alicante Institute of Ophthalmology, Alicante, Spain. rdioa@oftalio.com
Ayala
María J
MJ
Ruiz-Moreno
José M
JM
De La Hoz
Fernando
F
Alió
Jorge L
JL
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D012421:Rupture; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery