Does blunt ocular trauma induce corneal astigmatism?

• Published in: Cornea Vol. 26; no. 5; p. 539
• Main Authors: Akinci, Arsen, Ileri, Dilek, Polat, Sibel, Can, Cigdem, Zilelioglu, Orhan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2007
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Astigmatism - diagnosis; Astigmatism - etiology; Astigmatism - physiopathology; Corneal Diseases - diagnosis; Corneal Diseases - etiology; Corneal Diseases - physiopathology; Corneal Injuries; Corneal Topography; Eye Injuries - complications; Female; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Male; Middle Aged; Refraction, Ocular; Visual Acuity; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - complications
• ISSN: 0277-3740; 1536-4798
• DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e31803e8740

To determine the effect of blunt ocular trauma on refractive astigmatism. 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). 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. Blunt trauma can induce astigmatism. Hard and small objects are more likely to induce astigmatism.