Ruptured Globe due to a Bird Attack

Abstract

Introduction: Bird attacks are in general an uncommon event. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Bahrain. There have been very few cases reported worldwide. Mainly, birds attack humans as retaliation to threats surrounding their environment. At certain occasions, bird attack frequency increases especially during mating season or in the presence of a threat toward their young.

Methods: A 31-year-old male presented with a history of left-eye trauma, loss of vision, pain and tearing for 2 hours. A left corneal penetrating laceration and traumatic cataract were diagnosed. The corneal laceration was closed surgically, the lens was aspirated and anterior vitrectomy performed.

Results: After 4 months of follow-up, penetrating keratoplasty and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were performed elsewhere. The patient's vision improved from hand motion in his left eye to 20/200 without correction.

Conclusion: Corneal perforation secondary to a bird injury can be treated successfully with surgical closure and broad intravenous antibiotic coverage. This rare type of ocular trauma does not require any specific additional measures.

Keywords: Bird; Corneal laceration; Eye; Ruptured globe; Trauma.

Fig. 1

An image of the patient's left eye shows a central corneal laceration and hyphema.