Abstract
BackgroundA 23 year old white male with a history of social and behavioural problems attempted to blind himself chemically, with alcohol, and mechanically, with a razor blade.MethodsObservational case report of a patient who self-inflicted bilateral scleral lacerations with a razor blade, after losing his job.ResultsThe patient sustained bilateral inferior scleral perforations, with hypotony and a right traumatic cataract. He received urgent surgical repair, and prophylactic antibiotics. There were no retinal breaks or detachments. He later underwent successful cataract surgery to the right eye.ConclusionSelf-inflicted ocular injury may be possible in non-psychotic patients, as a situational response to a life event. Urgent repair can completely restore vision in some cases. Referral for psychiatric counseling is mandatory.
Highlights
A 23 year old white male with a history of social and behavioural problems attempted to blind himself chemically, with alcohol, and mechanically, with a razor blade
Penetrating injuries with needles have previously been observed in several cases [6,7]. This patient used superglue, razor blades and digital pressure to deliberately selfinflict penetrating eye injuries; a mechanism not previously cited in the literature, to the author's knowledge
Antibiotic prophylaxis, and timely cataract surgery at a later date were successful in restoring vision
Summary
The patient sustained bilateral inferior scleral perforations, with hypotony and a right traumatic cataract. He received urgent surgical repair, and prophylactic antibiotics. There were no retinal breaks or detachments. He later underwent successful cataract surgery to the right eye
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
