A 28-year-old man sustains a penetrating eye injury with uveal prolapse from a knife wound. The eye has no light perception. Enucleation is planned. Within what time frame should enucleation ideally be performed to minimise the risk of sympathetic ophthalmia in the fellow eye?
- A Within 24 hours of injury
- B Within 3 months of injury
- C Within 2 weeks of injury ✓
- D Sympathetic ophthalmia risk is independent of enucleation timing
Correct answer: C. Within 2 weeks of injury
Explanation
Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare bilateral granulomatous panuveitis following penetrating trauma. Enucleation of a non-seeing, non-salvageable injured eye within 2 weeks of injury may reduce the risk of sensitisation of the fellow (sympathizing) eye. After this window, the immunological trigger may already be established, though the absolute risk remains very low.
Reference: AAO BCSC Section 9: Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation, 2023-2024 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.