Ruptured Globe Secondary to Blunt Trauma Following Radial Keratotomy

This case report documents the first known occurrence of a ruptured globe subsequent to blunt trauma following radial keratotomy. Best visual acuity preoperatively was 20/70 OU without correction. The patient underwent a four-incision radial keratotomy in the left eye, and on the fourth postoperative day, acuity was 20/40 without correction. On postoperative day 24, the patient was struck by an elbow and the globe ruptured. The eye was primarily repaired and subsequently enucleated. Light microscopy revealed marked disorganization of the internal ocular structures. Two radial keratotomy sites were seen to extend one-half to two-thirds depth of the repaired cornea with the underlying Descemefs membrane intact. The effect of radial keratotomy on ocular Integrity is discussed.