Retinal opacification after blunt non-perforating concussional injuries to the globe. A clinical and retinal fluorescein angiographic study.

Abstract

Fluorescein angiographic studies are reported on fifteen patients presenting with retinal opacification after blunt mechanical non-perforating injuries involving the eye. In patients who subsequently regained full visual function and in whom complete resolution of the retinal changes occurred, retinal fluorography carried out less than 24 hours after injury revealed no abnormal features. In cases with more prolonged visual disability, retinal fluorescein examinations may, however, reveal damage to the retinal pigment epithelium before this becomes apparent on routine ophthalmoscopy, or the existence of impaired perfusion through the retinal vessels. It is suggested, therefore, that retinal fluorescein angiography has a role in assessing the visual prognosis in patients presenting with traumatic retinal oedema.