Structural changes in the outer retinal layers following blunt mechanical non-perforating trauma to the globe: an experimental study.

Structural changes in the external retinal layers of pigs' eyes that had previously been subjected to blunt non-perforating mechanical injuries have been described. Within minutes of trauma fragmentation of the photoreceptor outer segments and damage to the retinal pigment epithelium was recorded in areas of retina adjacent to the missile impact site on the sclera. One week after injury the disrupted photoreceptor outer segments disappeared, and the inner segments came to lie adjacent to the retinal pigment epithelium. Evidence of regeneration of photoreceptor outer segments was noted 2 weeks later.