Corneal Penetrating Injury Following Combat-Related Trauma – A Clinical Case Report

Introduction Ocular trauma is a leading cause of unilateral blindness worldwide, with about 1.6 million people losing their vision annually. Despite the small surface area of the eye, the risk of injury during armed conflicts is disproportionately high. Corneal damage often results in loss of transparency and scarring, leading to permanent vision impairment. These consequences place a significant burden on healthcare systems and highlight the urgent need for improved preventive and therapeutic approaches. Case report A 45-year-old male military patient was presented to the University Clinic with a corneal penetration injury with an intraocular foreign body, acute barotrauma, and a foreign body in the submandibular region. The patient’s visual acuity was light perception in the right eye. Multiple foreign bodies in the neck and acute barotrauma were also noted during the examination. Biomicroscopic examination revealed a penetrating corneal wound and traumatic cataract of the right eye. Conclusions The two-stage therapeutic protocol ensured effective primary wound management and facilitated subsequent visual rehabilitation through delayed reconstructive surgery. Extended pharmacological treatment with cyanocobalamin demonstrated a reduction in corneal scarring and opacity, while also supporting partial restoration of corneal innervation.