DUBAI: A serious eye injury occurred when an Indian expat student, in the 8th grade, was struck in the eye by a cricket ball. This unexpected accident happened while the child was playing with friends in a parking lot near his apartment in Dubai. The impact caused pain, redness, and blurry vision in the left eye. Although an ice pack was initially applied, the symptoms worsened, leading the parents to take the child to Aster Clinic Bur Dubai, and later to Aster Hospital Mankhool. It was there that Dr. Gazala Hasan Mansuri, a Specialist Ophthalmologist, confirmed the child had a giant retinal tear and multiple retinal breaks in the left eye.
Giant retinal tears are large and serious, covering more than 90 degrees of the retina’s surface, and can result in retinal detachment if not treated promptly. In this case, Dr. Gazala used advanced imaging techniques such as Fundus Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to examine the retina and confirm that the tear was significant, extending across 3 clock hours. The tear placed the child at immediate risk of retinal detachment, a condition that could lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Gazala recommended a non-invasive, preventive laser treatment to seal the tear and prevent further complications.
The laser procedure was performed quickly and efficiently, taking only 15-20 minutes. Using topical anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort, Dr. Gazala applied a 532 nm Green Laser to seal the tear and prevent retinal detachment. The procedure was successful, and the child was discharged the same day. Follow-up care confirmed that the laser treatment had effectively healed the retinal tear and breaks, allowing the child to recover fully. Within a short time, the child’s vision returned to normal, and there were no lasting effects from the injury.
Dr. Gazala emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prompt intervention when dealing with eye injuries. Timely treatment is essential in preventing conditions like retinal detachment and preserving vision. The child’s successful recovery serves as a reminder to parents to seek immediate medical attention if their child experiences any eye injury, as quick treatment can prevent severe long-term complications. The case also highlights the rarity of giant retinal tears, which occur in only 0.09 per 100,000 individuals, yet can pose significant risks when they do occur, especially in children.
