A prospective study on the pattern of traumatic ocular injuries in Central Karnatakaand their forensic aspects

Abstract

Total or partial blindness is a serious public health issue that affects a person's quality of life. Ocular trauma is one such leading cause of blindness, especially monocular blindness. Ocular injuries hold forensic importance when there is a significant loss in visual acuity as a result of an unnatural cause and expert opinion is needed to establish causation between the nature and extent of permanent impairment and injury. The prospective study conducted at a teaching hospital from January 2019 to December 2019, involving 48 cases, aims to analyse the pattern of traumatic ocular injuries and emphasize on the forensic issues involved. There was a preponderance of male patients (64.5%) over the female patients. 75% of cases were from the rural population and the common age group affected was 21–30 years among both sexes. Maximum injuries were inflicted at home (47.91%). Road traffic accidents (29.16%) were the most common mode of accidental injury. Closed globe injuries were seen in 22 cases (45.83%) and open globe injuries in 8 cases (16.66%). Permanent and partial loss of vision was seen in 22 cases of ocular trauma. Permanent and complete loss of vision was seen in one case. Ocular traumas are preventable through public awareness programmes and strict legislation for the use of personal protective devices that can help reduce the occurrence of such injuries. The study indicates that there is an urgent need to step up safety precautions to prevent disabling eye injuries and enlightens health care workers on the medico legal issues involved.