To characterize epidemiologically open-globe injuries and to identify prognostic factors for visual outcomes after open-globe injuries in Korea.

The medical records of 138 patients with open-globe injuries presenting to the Severance Hospital between January 2005 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed.

Out of 138 patients, 85.5% were men. The types of injury included penetrating injury (44.2%), intraocular foreign body (15.9%), blunt injury (35.5%), and perforating injury (3.6%). The most common cause of injury was accidents at work (49.3%) and 60.9% of these injuries were a penetrating wound in zone I limited to the cornea. Predictors of poor visual outcome using univariate analysis included wound extended to posterior sclera, wound length of 10 mm or more, poor initial visual acuity of hand motion or less, and presence of associated ocular injuries at presentation including hyphema, lens injury, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Initial visual acuity and wound size were independent prognostic factors of visual outcome.

Accidents at work are the most important cause of open-globe injuries in Korea. Accordingly, protective measures such as appropriate eyewear and safety education at work are warranted. Initial visual acuity and wound size predicted favorable visual outcome.