Corneal laceration and Hyphema in Teen

My 14-year old son suffered an eye injury last night when a pellet from an airsoft gun went through his protective goggles and into his eye. He was taken to the emergency room where the attending physician consulted by phone with the opthamologist on call. They diagnosed a corneal laceration and hyphema. Antibiotic drops and some pain meds were prescribed. We were told his injury was serious. His symptons were vision loss with sensitivity to light but within a few hours he was able to see his fingers and identify shapes from a distance. He was not complaining of pain. This morning the opthamologist saw him in his office and said the cornea was healing however, there was a possible retinal tear but until more blood cleared up, we wouldn't know the severity of the tear. Could more vision be restored as the pressure and blood dissipate? What are the effects of a retinal tear? Should we consult with a pediatric retinologist or an "adult" retinologist?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear dejamesk,

A retinal specialist might be able to perform a scan to make sure that a retinal detachment was not present.  Unless, the view to the back is clear enough, a retinal specialist may not be able to visualize anything more than the ophthalmologist.  Feel welcome to obtain another opinion.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California