Elastic cord-related ocular injury

ABSTRACT
We report a case of an elastic cord-related ocular injury, to increase the public's awareness of the seriousness of this type of injury. A 43-year-old Chinese postman presented with decreased visual acuity in the left eye after being hit by an elastic cord at work. Slit lamp examination revealed pupillary sphincter rupture with iridodonesis and phacodonesis. There was also a traumatic nuclear cataract, gross hyphaema and vitreous haemorrhage. The patient was started on topical steroids and antibiotics. His visual acuity and vitreous haemorrhage improved during subsequent visits. Elastic cord-related ocular injuries have potential sight-threatening consequences. The public should be aware of the possible danger of using elastic cords.

Keywords: elastic cord, eye trauma, ocular  injury, pupillary sphincter rupture
Singapore Med J 2008; 49(4):e90-e92