Astigmatism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Astigmatism, including details on cornea, retina, treatment, types, signs, tests.

Does blunt ocular trauma induce corneal astigmatism?

Akinci A, Ileri D, Polat S, Can C, Zilelioglu O

Diskapi Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. arsenakinci@yahoo.com

PURPOSE: 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.

Published 25 May 2007 in Cornea, 26(5): 539-42.
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