Does blunt ocular trauma induce corneal astigmatism?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of blunt ocular trauma on refractive astigmatism.


METHODS
Eighty-six eyes of 86 patients with known previous refractive status exposed to blunt ocular trauma were included in the study. Trauma-induced astigmatism (TIA) was calculated using vector analysis. In eyes with TIA, central corneal thickness was assessed by ultrasound pachymetry, and corneal topographies were obtained. Anterior-chamber angles were examined by Goldmann 3-mirror lens to find microhemorrhages, scarring, or recession. Patients were followed up between 8 and 12 months (average, 9.2 months).


RESULTS
In 18 eyes (21%), TIA was detected. Six (7%) of these eyes had lenticular astigmatism caused by traumatic lens subluxation. In the remaining 12 eyes (14%), corneal topography showed regular astigmatic patterns, which were symmetrical in 3 eyes and asymmetric in the remaining 9. The etiologic factor was a game marble in 6 eyes and a stone in the remaining 6. The mean central corneal thickness was 535.75 microm (range, 498-570 microm) in these 12 eyes. In 9 of these 12 eyes, recession or scarring in the anterior-chamber angle was detected at 1 edge of the steepest axis.


CONCLUSIONS
Blunt trauma can induce astigmatism. Hard and small objects are more likely to induce astigmatism.
Akinci
Arsen
A
Diskapi Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. arsenakinci@yahoo.com
Ileri
Dilek
D
Polat
Sibel
S
Can
Cigdem
C
Zilelioglu
Orhan
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*