A ruptured globe is a full-thickness injury to the wall of the eye, usually caused by severe blunt or penetrating trauma. It is a surgical emergency that threatens both vision and the structural integrity of the eye.
Recognising a rupture
Signs can include sudden loss of vision, severe pain, distorted pupil, loss of the normal eye shape, or visible prolapse of internal tissues. Sometimes only subtle clues, such as a very low intraocular pressure, are present.
- Often results from high-impact accidents or assaults
- Risk of infection (endophthalmitis) is high
- Prompt protective shielding and avoidance of pressure on the eye are vital
Treatment
Urgent surgical repair by an ophthalmic surgeon is required, often in collaboration with vitreoretinal specialists. Patients are usually followed in tertiary centres and then within general ophthalmology clinics for ongoing care and visual rehabilitation.
