Smartphone-related early recurrent open globe injury: A case report and literature review

Abstract:

Open globe injury (OGI) is a vision-threatening ophthalmic emergency, but recurrent OGI in the same eye is exceedingly rare. This case report describes a 45-year-old male who sustained a left eye OGI from a rebounding marble block at a construction site, with visual acuity of light perception. Primary repair of the corneoscleral laceration was performed within 6 h, and postoperative follow-up showed watertight wound closure. Approximately 1 month later, the patient sustained a second blunt ocular trauma caused by a dropped smartphone, resulting in corneal wound dehiscence with uveal and vitreous prolapse. The second primary repair was performed successfully. At 2 months after the second operation, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/500. This case highlights the persistent structural vulnerability of previously traumatized eyes, demonstrates the rare occurrence of OGI from a ubiquitous device like a smartphone, and underscores the need for patient counseling and long-term protective strategies to prevent recurrence.