Visual outcome of open globe injury in a tertiary eye hospital of Bangladesh

Background: An open globe injury is a severe ocular trauma characterized by a full-thickness wound to the globe, often resulting from accidents or sharp object penetration. These injuries pose significant risks to vision and require immediate medical attention. Visual outcomes of open globe injuries can vary widely depending on the extent and location of the injury. Prompt and appropriate surgical intervention is crucial to maximize the chances of preserving and restoring vision in such cases. Objectives: Aimed to assess the visual outcome of the patient after primary repair of open globe injuries. Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted from July 2022 to June 2023 among patients aged 10 years and above of open globe injury admitted in National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIO & H), Dhaka. Total 48 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected non-randomly upon obtaining their informed written consent and undergone primary repair under general anesthesia at NIO & H. Follow-up was given on 7th, 30th and 90th post operative day and visual acuity was measured by Snellen chart. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (v26.0). Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: The majority of participants were 18 years and above, with a predominance of males from rural areas. Visual impairment severity varied over time, with no significant differences based on age, gender, residence, occupation or object causing injury. Initial visual acuity, duration, type, zone and segment of involvement of injury were significant factors influencing the degree of visual impairment. Patients with initial VA 6/6-6/18 and < 3/60-PL, majority of them 2 (50%) and 15 (48.4%) respectively had moderate visual impairment at their final follow up. In respects of segment of involvement, majority 16 (57.1%) of the anterior segment injury alone had mild visual impairment while those with posterior or both segments injury, majority 8 (40.0%) had moderate visual impairment followed by blindness 6 (30%) at final follow up. Conclusion: Patients with open globe injury involving the anterior segment alone acquired better visual outcome than those involving with posterior or both segments. J.Natl.Inst.Ophthalmol.2025;8(1): 21-26