Case 17: Zone I Open Globe Injury with Primary Lens Removal

Abstract

A 47-year-old man presented 2 days after suffering a zone I open globe injury to the right eye. Initial exam revealed a sealed corneal laceration, but a shallow anterior chamber with an opacified lens, secondary to violation of the anterior lens capsule from the injury. He was taken to the operating room for repair of the corneal laceration and removal of the traumatic cataract. The point of anterior capsule injury was identified just posterior to the corneal laceration and was incorporated in the capsulorrhexis. The corneal laceration was secured with interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. After successful traumatic cataract removal, the patient was left aphakic. During the post-operative period, corneal sutures were removed slowly to ensure stable wound healing. The patient was eventually referred to the contact lens service where he was fitted with a contact lens, resulting in 20/20 vision.