Clinical profile of ocular blunt trauma in a rural hospital

Abstract

Context: Ocular trauma is the cause of one-third of monocular blindness. The inherent risk factors for ocular injuries among the rural population, and lack of surveys conducted in the rural areas stresses the need for a descriptive study that identifies the cause and pattern of ocular injuries and visual outcome among the rural population. Aims: To analyze blunt ocular trauma with respect to (i) demographic profile, (ii) mode of injury, and (iii) the ocular structures involved. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Subjects and Methods: This study included 95 cases of blunt ocular trauma who attended the casualty and the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of our institution. All patients underwent a comprehensive ocular examination along with relevant radiological tests. All the cases were appropriately treated and followed at regular intervals to assess the visual outcome and complications. Statistical Analysis Used: Not applicable. Results: The male to female ratio was 4.5:1; majority of the patients (42 patients, 44.2%) belonged to the 21–40 years age group. About fifty patients (52.6%) were from agricultural class. In 46 patients (48.4%) the injuries were agricultural in nature. Subconjunctival hemorrhage was the most common finding (36 patients, 37.89%) followed by traumatic uveitis (27 patients, 28.42%) and lid and adnexal injuries (21 patients, 22.10%). Conclusions: Ocular blunt trauma in the rural population is common in males and mostly agriculture-related with involvement of multiple ocular structures in the same eye. The spectrum of ocular complications can range from trivial to severe sight-threatening injuries. It is recommended that health education highlighting early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ocular injuries can help to reduce the ocular morbidity.