Abstract
Purpose :
Investigate the epidemiology of surgically managed eyelid lacerations in Cali, Colombia, and identify factors linked to complications.
Methods :
This cross-sectional study analyzed surgically treated eyelid trauma patients in Cali, Colombia, between January 2017 and December 2021. The study focused on individuals treated at two ophthalmology centers in southwestern Colombia: a public hospital (Hospital Universitario del Valle) and a private clinic (Clínica Oftalmologica Cali). Data from medical records included demographics, injury details, lacrimal involvement, surgery specifics, fractures, follow-up details, and complications. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses explored factors associated with post-operative complications.
Results :
Patients were mostly male (76.4%) with an average age of 31±18. Injuries occurred mainly in public areas (38.36%) due to blunt force (42.74%) or sharp weapons (14.6%). Left eye (55%) and upper eyelid (43.2%) injuries predominated. Initial and final visual acuity between 20/20 and 20/40 was prevalent (49.32% and 40%, respectively). Ocular injuries were present in 48.2% of cases. Primary repair (81.92%) was the most common surgical technique. Complications occurred in 11.51% (impaired healing, tearing, infection, stent extrusion, lagophthalmos, malposition). Patients without complications had a shorter follow-up (median 13.5 days) compared to those with complications (median 171 days, p<0.001). Female gender (Odds ratio [OR]: 3.00, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 2.93-3.06), orbital bone fracture (OR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.5-2.7), eyelid tissue loss exceeding 25% (OR: 2.55, 95%CI: 2.17-2.99), and associated anterior segment injury (OR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.64-2.03) were independent predictors of complications in the multivariate model.
Conclusions :
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of surgically managed palpebral trauma. It identifies risk factors for postoperative complications, including female gender, orbital bone fracture, extensive tissue loss, associated anterior segment injury, and younger age. Despite retrospective study limitations, our research offers valuable insights for future interventions to optimize outcomes and reduce complications, ultimately contributing to improved public health policies for traumatic eyelid injuries and aiding clinicians in identifying high-risk patients.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.