Bungee cord-induced corneal lacerations correcting for myopic astigmatism

Although bungee jumping has been proved to be responsible for a wide range of medical problems (see previous article) it should not be assumed that use (or misuse) of bungee cords cannot ever have positive medical outcomes. A case is presented in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery which describes a patient who had his spectacles shattered by the catapulting metal end of a bungee cord – resulting in corneal lacerations from the broken glass. However, after recovery from the injury, there was a surprising outcome – the corneal laceration had produced a Radial-Keratotomy–like effect, resulting in much improved visual acuity in the damaged eye.

“The corneal lacerations appeared to induce a relaxing effect on the central cornea, thereby flattening it and improving the myopia; more severe outcomes such as globe perforation and infection were fortunately avoided. Our case not only describes one of the ocular injures related to a bungee cord, but also illustrates a surprising and un-recognized sequela of corneal trauma – myopic correction.”

Details are provided in Bungee cord-induced corneal lacerations correcting for myopic astigmatism, Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Volume 33, Issue 7, July 2007, Pages 1339–1340

Advisory : Don’t try this at home, or away from home, or anywhere else.

BONUS : Eye trauma in Laurel and Hardy movies – another nice mess