English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: About 1.6million people are blind from ocular trauma, 2.3million bilaterally visually impaired. 19million suffered from unilateral visual loss worldwide. It is believed that majority of eye injuries are preventable with existing, relatively inexpensive protective devices and health education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective hospital based study, 103 patients with ocular trauma injuries presented to ophthalmology OPD or emergency department, in a tertiary care hospital and assessed by an ophthalmologist were included in the study. Detailed ophthalmic work up of all the patients including slit lamp examination, +90D examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy was carried out. Ultrasonography was performed whenever unclear media prevented fundus evaluation. RESULTS: In our study, majority of the subjects 52(50.4%) had ocular trauma due to road traffic accidents followed by assault injuries 17(16.5%). Majority of the subjects clinically presented with symptoms like sub-conjunctival hemorrhage 29(28.1%), followed by laceration 26(25.2%) and abrasion 21(20.3%). 83(80.5%) cases had closed globe injuries whereas 20(19.5%) had open globe injuries. CONCLUSION: Ocular injuries can be reduced by the use of eye protection devices and the implementation of appropriate preventive strategies to address each risk factor. In addition, there should be a continual assessment of safety and health issues at home and workplace.