The Most Interesting Medical Cases in Ophthalmology

Every day, healthcare professionals share content on Figure 1. Here are the top five most interesting medical cases in ophthalmology prompting a lot of conversation.

#5. Styes or Something More Significant?

A patient presented to the ophthalmologist with concerns about what she identified as styes that had been growing over the past year. In a follow up, the ophthalmologist who shared this case unveiled the diagnosis — mantle cell lymphoma, limited to orbits — and added, “She is two weeks post excision. She is on chemotherapy and is doing well.” 

Fellow Figure 1 members commented on the outcome: “Absolutely incredible results! Amazing!” and “Amazing job!!! She must feel so much better!”

See the before and after photos

#4. Neovascular Glaucoma

An ophthalmologist shared this fourth most interesting medical case in ophthalmology that prompted a discussion around possible causes of neovascular glaucoma. The ophthalmologist detailed, “This middle-aged woman presents with elevated intraocular pressure and the following anterior segment findings.” They also noted that just a week before, the patient showed no evidence of the disease.

The community jumped in with possible causes, including leukocytosis from leukemia, central retinal vein occlusion, and diabetes.

Do you know the cause?

#3. What’s the Mechanism of Injury?

According to the ophthalmologist who shared this third most interesting medical case in ophthalmology, this patient “slipped on ice and presented like this with hand motion vision. No orbital fractures. We have no idea the exact mechanism that caused this.” The patient was “taken to OR for proper replacement and re-attachment of extraocular muscles,” and went home following surgery but ultimately had no light perception in that eye.

See the unblurred image

#2. Chemical Burn of the Eye

“A patient with burn of the eyes and eyelids. The eye was eventually removed and a series of reconstructive operations were performed,” shared the ophthalmology resident who added this case to Figure 1.

The patient received the burn after a cleaner was accidentally sprayed into the eye while cleaning at home. 

While the patient did lose their eye, after two years of treatment and cosmetic surgeries the area was successfully reconstructed. 

The Figure 1 community congratulated the ophthalmology resident on the incredible results. 

“That is amazing! Beautiful results, you changed that woman’s life!”

“Spectacular! Nothing less. Skill beyond measure.”

“This must be so rewarding. To work with a patient for two years and end up with something beautiful like this.”

See the final reconstruction

#1. “This is the Most Amazing Reconstruction I’ve Ever Seen”

In our top most interesting medical case in ophthalmology, we see the head reconstruction of a patient injured following a motor vehicle accident. While the patient needed a prosthetic eye, the overall reconstruction results were positive.

A fellow Figure 1 member shared details of how these reconstructions often work: “Bottom to the top is the way to go, symphysis, body, angle, then condyles if needed. Establish the occlusion w/ MMF [mandibulo-maxillary fixation], then do the mid-face fractures. This way the patient will have an occlusion that meshes with the rest of their face. If parts are missing bridge with reconstruction plates until areas can be grafted.”

The final case image prompted hundreds of comments from Figure 1 members on the impressive work and results.

“Literally spectacular. Medicine at its finest right there!”

“Absolutely amazing, a true testament to how far the field has come.”

“This image is going to end up tattooed on someone’s body. It is a work of art. Amazing work!”

See the post-surgical results

Published February 27, 2023


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