Visual prognosis in patients with traumatic choroidal rupture

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of work in the literature examining the long-term visual prognosis of patients with choroidal ruptures. We performed a study to get a better assessment of long-term visual recovery in these patients as well as to identify prognostic indicators. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 32 patients who experienced traumatic choroidal rupture following blunt ocular trauma. All charts contained International Classification of Diseases code 363.63 (choroidal rupture). For inclusion in the study, the chart had to contain detailed drawings or photographic evidence that could confirm the presence and location (foveal, juxtafoveal or extrafoveal) of the choroidal rupture. In addition, demographic data and visual acuity on follow-up examinations had to be present. The mechanism and location of the injury, initial and final visual acuity, associated ocular findings and length of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 32 eyes 31 had indirect choroidal ruptures and I had a direct rupture. The mean final visual acuity values in the foveal, juxtafoveal and extrafoveal subgroups were 20/68, 20/35 and 20/60 respectively after a mean duration of follow-up of 4.5, 3.5 and 4.4 years respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean final visual acuity or mean length of follow-up between the three groups. The eight patients with multiple choroidal ruptures had a mean final vision of 20/31 after a mean follow-up period of 3.8 years. The 24 patients with a single choroidal rupture achieved a mean final vision of 20/47 over a mean duration of follow-up of 4.1 years. There was no difference in final vision or in length of follow-up between the two groups. The six patients under 15 years of age attained a mean final vision of 20/34 over a mean follow-up period of 4.5 years, whereas the adult group achieved a mean final vision of 20/44 over a mean follow-up period of 3.8 years. Again, there was no difference in final vision or in length of follow-up between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Traumatic choroidal rupture involving the fovea has been thought to have a poor visual prognosis. Our findings show that eyes with foveal choroidal ruptures may regain good central vision over longer follow-up. Furthermore, multiple choroidal ruptures do not necessarily predict a poor visual outcome. Children with choroidal ruptures attained good final visual outcomes.