Unusual Eye Trauma Caused by Hula Hoop: A Case Report

Introduction: Eye injuries are common in sports and have the potential for major morbidity with sight threatening consequences. However, a small number of sports, such as soccer, rugby or hockey are responsible for most injuries. To our knowledge, hula hoop penetrating eye injury is not described in literature. In this report, we present a case of an unusual eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female was admitted as an urgent penetrating right eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Penetrating wound covered 2/3 of the cornea and was associated with iris prolapses and incarceration; iridodialysis of more than half of the circumference, and traumatic cataract. Her best corrected visual acuity of the right eye was “hand motion”. The second corneal wound in parallel with the first one was noticed while she was being treated surgically under general anesthesia. Iris was repositioned, anterior chamber was formed with the viscoelastic and wounds were repaired using 10-0 nylon sutures. Iridopexy was performed using straight needle 10-0 prolene, while standard cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were done. The postoperative recovery was uneventful beside elevated intraocular pressure (TOD = 24 mmHg) that was treated successfully by topical beta blockers. Six months later, her best corrected visual acuity was 0.6 stenopeic, with evident linear corneal opacification and traumatic mydriasis. Conclusions: Although seemingly impossible, hula hooping can be dangerous to the eyes if practiced in incommodious areas and close to other people.