Ocular injury is common, with an estimated 24 million people in the United States suffering an eye injury. Injuries to the eye vary in severity, from a small scratch to the cornea (corneal abrasion) to a split in the external structure (globe rupture). Globe rupture can occur in various parts of the eye; one example is a corneal laceration. In a review of 890 eye injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2001 to 2011, 20.7% involved a corneal laceration.
Corneal lacerations vary in size and shape, can be partial or full-thickness, and range from a simple linear pattern to a complex stellate formation. All lacerations require urgent repair to reduce the risk of infection, decrease tissue necrosis, and alleviate patient discomfort. The typical recommendation for a repair is within 24 hours.
The repair of a corneal laceration often requires suturing; however, tissue adhesives or contact lenses can close lacerations less than 2 mm.
The goal of any repair is a watertight closure, restoration of normal anatomy, and limiting the amount of post-operative corneal scarring and astigmatism.
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