Case series of cat-scratch-inflicted full-thickness corneal lacerations and a review of the literature

Background: To describe the clinical features and management of cat-scratch-inflicted corneal lacerations. Design: Retrospective, observational case series. Participants: Three patients (aged 3, 7 and 35years) with cat-scratch-inflicted full-thickness corneal lacerations. Methods: Retrospective medical chart review and review of the published literature. Main Outcome Measures: Details of clinical presentation, surgical management, antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes on longitudinal follow-up. Results: Cat-scratch-inflicted corneal lacerations are rare. Only five other cases were found in the literature. Wide spectrum of clinical presentation and severity of injuries exists. Two of the cases here required emergency surgical repair of the laceration; however, one case had spontaneously healed and was only diagnosed 5years after the initial injury. One case required secondary cataract extraction and subsequent excision of a vascularized posterior lens capsule. There were no cases of secondary microbial keratitis or endophthalmitis. All cases had a favourable ocular outcome after at least 6months of follow-up. Conclusions: Cat-scratch-inflicted corneal injuries are rare but do occur in Australia, in particular among younger children. If the principles of prompt surgical repair and antibiotic prophylaxis are adhered to, excellent visual outcomes are possible.