Abstract

A structured approach to the management of a perforating ballistic eye injury is illustrated in this case, where initial treatment was limited to simple corneal wound closure and antibiotic prophylaxis. A pellet had passed completely through the globe but the retina remained attached, and it was decided to manage the case conservatively. Two retained foreign bodies were extruded spontaneously some months after the injury when suture removal and delayed cataract surgery led to a virtually perfect visual outcome. The patient has had no further complications at least three years after initial injury. The manage-ment of this civilian case illustrates some basic concepts in treating ballistic eye injuries that may be applicable in a military setting.