Dilaceration of eye caused by a fire cracker explosion

Summary

Introduction:
In different places across the world, bangers and explosives are used during celebrations and holidays. With increasing usage of fireworks increases also frequency of injuries. Explosives may cause three types of ocular injury: burns, blast or concussion effects and injuries related to foreign bodies penetrating into the eye. Incidence varies in different countries.

Case:
A 49-year-old man got injured during New Year’s Eve celebrations. A banger exploded directly into his left eye. At the Ophthalmology Clinic of University Hospital Hradec Králové a revision was conducted with finding of dilaceration of sclera and cornea, loss of uveal tissue and lens, haemorrhagic ablation of choroidea. Postoperatively systematic and local anti-inflammatory therapy was used.

Discussion:
Usually these injuries are most common at young men, who are actively working with explosives before getting hurt. Alcohol is proven in minority of cases. Most of the injuries are mild, about one fifth of injuries are severe with significant loss of vision.

Conclusion:
Ocular injuries from fireworks are rare but can result in a very serious condition, like we described in our case-report. Our patient’s injury resulted in severe loss of vision and problems not only in personal but also in professional life.

Keywords:
injury of the eye – burns – explosion – firework