A case report of bilateral autoenucleation and its prevention
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
10-1-2007
Journal
Orbit
Volume
26
Issue
4
DOI
10.1080/01676830600987334
Keywords
Autoenucleation; Deliberate self-harm; Ocular self-mutilation; Prevention; Self-enucleation
Abstract
Purpose: To report a case and review both the ophthalmic and psychiatric literature to document the pattern of this self-mutilation and review prevention techniques. Design: Case report and retrospective review. Interventions: Surgical repair of the orbits in a patient who autoenucleated both eyes. Main Outcome Measures: To determine methods to prevent self-destructive behavior. Results: Up to 75% of these acts are performed by psychiatric inpatients as a form of focal suicide. Methods to prevent self-inflicting behavior include differential reinforcement, boxing gloves, soft cotton gloves, a bubble helmet, facial screening, electrical stimulation, and tarsorraphy. Conclusions: Prevention of autoenucleation requires early identification of susceptible subjects and timely initiation of preventive measures. Copyright © 2007 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
APA Citation
Kumar, A., & Geist, C. (2007). A case report of bilateral autoenucleation and its prevention. Orbit, 26 (4). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01676830600987334