Eye Injuries Caused by Bungee Cords

Abstract

Bungee cords are common workplace and household items that have many uses. Despite their utility, they represent a potential source of severe ocular injury. A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients presenting to an ocular emergency department with bungee cord-related eye injuries over a 42-month period. The authors identified 17 patients with bungee cord-related ocular injuries. In identified patients, the hospital inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed in detail. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, use of ocular protection, presenting and final best-corrected visual acuity, associated ocular injuries, therapeutic interventions, and anatomic results were noted. Fourteen (82%) of the patients had closed globe injuries and 3 (18%) had open globe injuries. A wide array of periocular, anterior segment, and posterior segment injuries were identified with hyphema being the most common associated ocular injury. Ten patients (59%) had a final visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Five patients (29%) had a final visual acuity that was less than or equal to 20/60, with three of these patients having a final visual acuity less than or equal to 4/200. Two of the three patients with open globe injuries had a final visual acuity of 20/60 or better, whereas one had no light perception. Poor visual outcome was associated with posterior segment involvement. The authors advocate the use of printed warnings on the packaging of bungee cords and extreme caution by those who use them. A modification in design and the use of certified safety glasses may help to decrease the incidence of bungee cord-related ocular trauma.