We explored the utility of ultra-wide fundus photography (UFP) to evaluate patients with blunt ocular trauma who visited our emergency room.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 162 patients with blunt ocular trauma who visited the emergency room between June 2015 and December 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent UFP and those who did not. We reviewed all medical records and took photographs to illustrate trauma-related retinal problems, and compared the two groups.

Ninety-two eyes underwent UFP and 70 eyes did not. In the latter group, commotio retinae was detected in 17 eyes (24%), Berlin's edema in seven (10%), and retinal hemorrhage in three (4%). In the former group, commotio retinae was detected in 45 eyes (49%), Berlin's edema in 10 (11%), and retinal hemorrhage in 10 (11%). Retinal breaks were evident in only two eyes (2%). The frequency of commotio retinae significantly differed between the two groups.

UFP usefully detects abnormal retinal lesions in patients with acute blunt periorbital trauma, particularly in those with severe eyelid swelling and those who are in pain.