External ocular trauma in instrumental and normal deliveries

ROGER HOLDEN, DAVID G. MORSMAN, GERVASE M.B. DAVIDEK, GERARD M. O'CONNOR, E. C. COLES, ANDREW J. DAWSON

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective To compare the occurrence of external ocular trauma in instrumental and normal deliveries. Design Prospective controlled study. Setting University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Subjects 133 babies born consecutively with the use of forceps and 133 control babies born without instrumentation to women matched for parity. Interventions External ocular examination. Main outcome measures The presence within 24 h of birth of corneal oedema, corneal abrasion, conjunctival chemosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage and lid oedema. Results Lid oedema and multiple minor external ocular trauma occurred in 52 and 22 babies, respectively, in the instrumental delivery group and in 13 and 8 babies, respectively in the control group (P<0.001). Corneal abrasion occurred in two babies and corneal oedema in one baby after forceps delivery but in none of the control group. No more serious injuries occurred. All injuries resolved without long term sequelae. Conclusion The frequency of sight threatening corneal trauma in instrumental deliveries is low. Specialist ophthalmic screening of these babies is not justified.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)132-134
Number of pages3
JournalBJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Volume99
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 1992
Externally publishedYes

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