Medico–Legal Importance of Ocular Signs in Determining Times since Death; a Study from Rural India

Dr. Anupama Tandon; Dr. Alok Kumar

Volume : III, Issue : V, May - 2014

Medico–Legal Importance of Ocular Signs in Determining Times since Death; a Study from Rural India

Dr. Anupama Tandon, Dr. Alok Kumar

Abstract :

Aim: present study was aimed at confirmation of death by examination of eye as well as to evaluate time since death through ocular changes (extra ocular, intraocular and retinal changes). Study design: Prospective, noncomparative and non interventional. Material and Methods: This study includes thorough eye examination of 12 dead bodies of individuals of 40–55 years of age, from Nov. 2011 to Dec. 2013. No external preservative was used in eyes. Direct and Indirect Ophthalmoscopy was done for Retinal Examination. Results: In all cases both eyes were examined. Most deceased were around �50 years. As far as ophthalmic features are concerned; retinal changes remain the mainstay for the estimation of time since death. Most common retinal sign was segmentation of blood in large vessels, seen in more than 50% of cases. Extraocular signs were also helpful in 50% of cases but they can only be considered as added information to retinal changes. 6 dead bodies were from Road Traffic Accidents (RTA); 2 dead bodes had other symptoms like papilloedema with haemorrages when other causes i.e. meningitis were considered. Conclusions: The external ocular changes and final retinal changes can determine time since death in minutes (moving segments) or hrs for up to 24 hours. Later on, only necrosis can be reported. This study is particularly useful in determining the time of death in recent cases for various medico–legal issues