Current pattern of ocular trauma as seen in tertiary institutions in south-eastern Nigeria

Chinwe Cynthia Jac-Okereke,Rich Enujioke Umeh,Ifeoma Regina Ezegwui,Chukwunonso Azubuike Jac-Okereke

doi:10.1186/s12886-021-02162-4

Abstract

BackgroundOcular trauma is a leading cause of monocular blindness worldwide and in developing countries, are not only more common but also more severe. Industrialization and urbanization may alter or modify prevalent aetiological factors and the presentation of ocular trauma.ObjectiveTo determine the current pattern of eye injuries in Teaching Hospitals in Enugu State.MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at the eye clinics and emergency units of two tertiary institutions in Enugu, Nigeria. Consecutive ocular trauma patients were enrolled over a 5-month period. On presentation, they underwent ocular examination including visual acuity (which was categorized according to the WHO classification of visual impairment and blindness}, anterior and posterior segment examinations. Injuries were grouped using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system.ResultsWithin the study period, 2545 new patients presented to the hospitals where the study was conducted. A total of 89 patients presented with ocular trauma, giving an incidence of 3.5%. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1 and patients aged 10 to 19 years formed the majority (24%). Domestic accidents (22%) were the most common cause of ocular injuries while blunt objects (57%) were the most common agents. Closed globe injuries constituted 76% of all injuries. Forty-three per cent of patients presented within 24 h of injury.ConclusionOcular trauma is still prevalent in South-eastern Nigeria and there has indeed been a change in the pattern as well as the incidence. Assault and road traffic accidents have emerged as important causes of eye injuries. In addition, there has been an improvement in the health-seeking behaviour of people living in Enugu and this may reflect positively on the uptake of recommended preventive strategies.

Highlights

Ocular trauma is a leading cause of monocular blindness worldwide and in developing countries, are more common and more severe
Ocular trauma is still prevalent in South-eastern Nigeria and there has been a change in the pattern as well as the incidence
Assault and road traffic accidents have emerged as important causes of eye injuries

Summary

Introduction

Ocular trauma is a leading cause of monocular blindness worldwide and in developing countries, are more common and more severe. Ocular trauma is an important cause of visual impairment and a leading cause of preventable monocular blindness [1]. Eye injuries are more common [2] and more severe in their effect and this may be attributed to socioeconomic background, inadequate safety measures, lack of optimum treatment facilities, use of traditional eye medication and poor education [2]. Studies from Nigeria and other parts of Africa have reported ocular trauma as an important cause of monocular blindness [3,4,5,6]. Based on the more comprehensive Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system (BETTS) [7,8,9], recent studies [10,11,12] have

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