Case Presentation By: Yuliya Bababekova SUNY 2013
59-year-old black female presents for follow up of trauma OD at age 9. Pt reports being hit in the right eye with a rock. History regarding the trauma is very vague and nonspecific; pt recalls losing vision and was told she must be followed yearly to monitor ”possible progression of a scar” secondary to the trauma. The rest of the history, externals and refraction were unremarkable. Dilated SLE revealed rosette cataract OD, which was documented with slit lamp camera to monitor future progression.
Some background information regarding rosette cataracts:
Rosette cataracts are commonly characterized as flower peddles or feathery shaped opacities resulting from blunt trauma to the eye. Opacities can appear immediately following the trauma or months to years later. Vision loss is less likely when the capsule remains intact (capsule is not ruptured during the trauma) and if the opacity is not significantly dense. Most commonly, these opacities remain stationary and permanent in size and density. However, the presence of a rosette cataract may accelerate normal age-related cataract formation.
When managing any patient following trauma, a well documented and detailed history is important. Pertinent information includes mechanism of injury, past ocular and medical history, and any visual complaints. This information often guides testing modalities, potential treatment options and possible sequelae.
