Background: Potential pathological mechanisms and complications of traumatic avulsio bulbi will be discussed based on the history, clinical, and histopathological findings of two patients.
History and signs: Both patients were heavily affected by alcohol and had a bicycle accident with subsequent perforation of the upper eyelid by the handlebar-mounted hand brake levers. The accident resulted in disruption of the optic nerve and anterior displacement of the globe.
Therapy and outcome: In one patient, it was possible to reposition the globe into the orbit; however, the second patient's eye had to be enucleated. Functional testing demonstrated permanent loss of vision of the primary involved eyes, visual field defects, and visual impairment of one fellow eye.
Conclusion: Avulsio bulbi describes a severe trauma to the eye often induced by sport and traffic accidents. Special attention should be addressed to the primary non-affected fellow eye with regard to potential functional defects.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.