Electric burns: a unique pattern of ocular injuries

Authors

  • Marylyne A. Yimbo Department of General Surgery, Trauma Division, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3464-3211
  • Lieschen Branders Department of Neurosciences, Division of Ophthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8526-7980
  • Estelle Laney Department of Trauma, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1694-1564
  • Roland Hollhumer Department of Neurosciences, Division of Ophthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4375-2224
  • Maeyane Moeng Department of Trauma, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7459-3388

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20250824

Keywords:

Electrical burns, Ocular injuries, High-voltage trauma, Corneal perforation, Ophthalmological management

Abstract

Burn injuries are a global health issue affecting millions of people annually, more so in developing countries. Electric burns are severe and uncommon forms of burn injuries which account for approximately less than 5% of all burn injuries, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Ocular complications occur in approximately 5% of electric burn cases, and they often present in unique patterns depending on the path of the electrical current. This case report describes a 35-year-old man who sustained high-voltage electric burns following an alleged cable theft incident. He suffered burns to his face, neck, left upper limb, and bilateral lower limbs, with subsequent ocular injuries that included exposure keratopathy, corneal perforation, and eyelid necrosis. His management entailed multiple surgical interventions, moisture chambers, tarsorrhaphy, and an amnion corneal transplant. This case highlights the importance of early ophthalmologic assessment and intervention to prevent severe vision loss. Given the devastating effects of electric burns, public awareness and preventive measures remain crucial.

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Author Biographies

Marylyne A. Yimbo, Department of General Surgery, Trauma Division, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

Department of General Surgery

Previous Junior Registrar

Lieschen Branders, Department of Neurosciences, Division of Ophthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

Department of Ophthalmology

Rank: Senior Registrar

Estelle Laney, Department of Trauma, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

Department of Trauma

Trauma Fellow

Roland Hollhumer, Department of Neurosciences, Division of Ophthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

Department of Neurosciences, Division of Ophthalmology

Consultant in Ophthalmology

Maeyane Moeng, Department of Trauma, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

Professor of Surgery University of the Witwatersrand Academic Head of Department of Surgery University of the Witwatersrand Academic Head of Trauma University of the Witwatersrand Head of Trauma Unit - Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Gauteng,    

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Published

2025-03-26

How to Cite

Yimbo, M. A., Branders, L., Laney, E., Hollhumer, R., & Moeng, M. (2025). Electric burns: a unique pattern of ocular injuries. International Surgery Journal, 12(4), 614–618. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20250824

Issue

Section

Case Reports