Damage to the Blood-Aqueous Barrier in Ocular Blunt Trauma and Its Association with Intraocular Pressure Elevation.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to provide a quantitative evaluation of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) in patients with ocular blunt trauma and evaluate its association with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation.


METHODS
This is a prospective case-control study, and the following 3 groups were included: elevated IOP (45 patients with an elevated IOP secondary to ocular blunt trauma), normal IOP (27 patients with a normal IOP after ocular blunt trauma), and healthy controls. The main outcome measures were IOP and BAB function evaluated using a laser flare-cell meter (LFCM).


RESULTS
Patients had significantly higher flare intensities and cell counts than the normal controls (both p < 0.001), and the elevated-IOP group displayed even higher LFCM readings than the normal-IOP group. Aqueous flare and cell readings were positively correlated with IOP (r = 0.529 and 0.590, respectively, p < 0.001). LFCM readings in the elevated-IOP group were still significantly high even on postraumatic day 120 following anti-inflammatory treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
BAB dysfunction occurred following ocular blunt trauma. Eyes with an elevated IOP displayed a more seriously disturbed BAB and a longer recovery course. Examination with a LFCM provides insight into the pathophysiology of IOP elevation and assists in making decisions concerning anti-inflammatory treatment during follow-up.
State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Zhen
Z
Mao
Xiao-Bei
XB
Chen
Yi-Min
YM
Zhong
Xin-Xing
XX
Guo
Xing
X
Liu
D000328:Adult; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000502:physiology*; D018916:Blood-Aqueous Barrier / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*