Globe perforation during strabismus surgery in an animal model: Treatment versus observation

PURPOSE To evaluate the role of cryopexy or laser therapy versus observation for management of accidental globe perforation during strabismus surgery in an experimental animal model. METHODS An S-24 needle was passed through the sclera and into the vitreous cavity in both eyes of 42 rabbits. Cryopexy was performed in 22 eyes, and laser therapy was applied in 20 other eyes; the 42 untreated fellow eyes served as controls. The incidence of complications was compared between treated and untreated eyes. RESULTS Cataracts were observed in 7 eyes (8.3%) and corneal opacity in 1 eye (1.2%) vitreous hemorrhage occurred in 28 eyes (33.3%), leading to vitreous opacity in 1 eye (1.2%). Transient localized subretinal fluid accumulation around the retinal break developed in 1 eye (1.2%). There were no cases of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS Vision-threatening consequences of globe perforation during strabismus surgery were uncommon in this rabbit model. Simple observation without intervention may have similar results as prophylactic cryopexy or laser therapy. (J AAPOS 2011;15:144-147)