In a remarkable medical achievement, a teenager in Dubai has regained full vision after sustaining a severe eye injury at school caused by a ballpoint pen.

The incident occurred during an unfortunate accident where the pen struck the student’s eye, causing a corneal tear and significant damage to internal structures. The quick and effective response by a team of medical professionals not only saved the student’s eyesight but also highlighted the critical importance of specialized care in such situations.

The injury was severe, with the ballpoint pen puncturing the eye and causing a corneal tear—a traumatic injury that poses a high risk of permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye, plays a crucial role in vision by focusing light. Any damage to this part of the eye can result in blurred vision or complete blindness if untreated.

The teenager was immediately taken to a specialized ophthalmology center where a detailed examination revealed the extent of the damage. In addition to the corneal tear, parts of the tissue inside the eye were damaged. This required an urgent and complex surgical procedure to repair the damage.

The eye is a complex organ responsible for vision, consisting of several key structures:

1. Cornea: The clear, outer layer at the front of the eye that focuses light entering the eye.

2. Pupil: The black, central opening that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

3. Iris: The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.

4. Lens: Located behind the iris, it focuses light onto the retina.

5. Retina: The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals.

6. Optic Nerve: Transmits visual information from the retina to the brain for processing.

These structures work together to allow us to perceive and process visual stimuli.

Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to serious damage, often requiring immediate care. Two common types are kinetic eye injuries and chemical injuries.

Kinetic eye injuries occur from physical trauma, such as being hit by a ball, a fist, or debris. Immediate actions are crucial to prevent further damage. If the eye is swollen or bruised, apply a cold compress without pressure to reduce swelling. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye. If there’s severe pain, blurry vision, or blood inside the eye (hyphema), seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye—leave that to professionals.

Chemical injuries, caused by substances like cleaning agents, acids, or alkalis, can be more dangerous. If a chemical gets in the eye, act quickly. Flush the eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes, keeping the eyelids open to ensure thorough rinsing. Avoid rubbing the eye. While rinsing, remove any contact lenses if possible. After flushing, seek emergency care, especially if the chemical was strong (like bleach or acid), as it can cause lasting damage.

In both types of injury, fast, appropriate actions can prevent long-term complications. Always consult a healthcare professional if the injury is severe or vision is affected.

The teenage went through a complex surgery that involved two main steps: repairing the corneal tear and removing the damaged tissue from inside the eye. The medical team worked meticulously to reconstruct the delicate structures of the eye, aiming to preserve as much of the natural tissue as possible.

Corneal repair is one of the most intricate procedures in ophthalmology because the cornea is composed of multiple thin layers that must be restored precisely to ensure proper healing. In this case, the surgery was performed using advanced techniques and equipment to minimize further trauma to the eye.

One of the most crucial aspects of the surgery was ensuring that no scar tissue formed, which could have impaired the teenager’s vision even after successful repair. Scar tissue on the cornea can cause visual distortions, and in some cases, may require additional surgeries like corneal transplants.

The procedure also involved removing any foreign particles and dead tissue from the eye to prevent infection and further complications. The team used specialized micro-tools designed for eye surgery, ensuring precision in this highly sensitive environment.

Post-surgery, the teenager was closely monitored for any signs of infection or complications, which are common in such delicate surgeries. The recovery process was gradual, but the teenager began to regain vision within a few weeks. Thanks to the advanced surgical intervention and the expertise of the medical team, the teenager's vision was fully restored.

This case underscores the significance of immediate medical intervention in eye injuries, especially in cases involving children and adolescents. Prompt treatment can often mean the difference between saving and losing vision.

General Guidelines:

• Protect your eyes by wearing goggles or shatterproof glasses to prevent injuries.

• Immediately seek medical attention by visiting the emergency room to avoid permanent damage or vision loss.

For Chemical Injuries:

• Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye.

• Remove any clothing around the face to prevent further contamination.

• Encourage frequent blinking to naturally flush out the substance.

• Remove contact lenses as soon as possible.

• Use a water bottle with a nozzle, gently open the eyelid, and spray water from the inner corner to the outer corner at a 45-degree angle.

• Rinse both eyes in the same manner, even if only one is affected.

For Kinetic Injuries (e.g., rubber bullets, sharp or blunt objects):

• Avoid touching or rubbing the injured eye.

• Remain in an upright position to prevent further damage.

• Cover the injured eye with a hard shield, like a Styrofoam cup or protective glasses, to shield it from further harm.

• Seek immediate emergency care and consult an ophthalmologist.

• Avoid applying pressure to the injured eye.

• Never attempt to remove any foreign object lodged in the eye.

Reference:

1. Abdulla, Nasreen. “UAE student blinded after classmate threw pen gets 80% eyesight restored - News | Khaleej Times.” Khaleej Times, September 11, 2024. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-student-blinded-after-classmate-threw-pen-gets-80-eyesight-restored.

(Input from various sources)

(rehash/ Dr. Abhilasha Manker/ MSM)