Abstract: Objective To analyze and summarize the characteristics of traumatic macular hole and to discuss the key points and matters need attention in forensic identification. Methods Sixteen cases of traumatic macular hole were collected from Forensic Science Identification Center of China Medical University from 2004 to 2009 and analyzed. Results All of the 16 cases resulted from closed ocular contusion. Traumatic macular hole was more common in young men and may occur immediately after injury or after a certain interval. Six months after injury, there was a spontaneous closure of macular hole in 2 cases and the vision of the injured in 12 cases improved to different degrees. According to the degree of vision dysfunction, 12 cases were identified as slight injury, 4 cases were identified as severe injury. Conclusion Traumatic macular hole has its characteristics. Its injury degree is all slight or severe injury. The time of identification should be within 3-6 months.

Key words: forensic medicine, wounds and injuries, retinal perforations