English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Ocular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA) is one of the important causes of ophthalmological morbidity and cause of unilateral blindness. Some of the injuries also result in cosmetic disfigurement. Increased usage of vehicles for transport in recent times has increased the incidence of cases. The primary objective of this study was to understand the epidemiology and pattern of ocular trauma in RTA cases and their visual outcome. METHODS A total of 75 cases was included in the study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history was taken which included information regarding time, location, type and mechanism of injury, use of spectacles, car safety belts, and helmets. The time interval between injury and reporting was recorded. Test of visual acuity was done, ophthalmic examination included the examination of all patients with the slit lamp, 90 D examination, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were done. Ultrasound B scan was done in cases where unclear media prevented fundus examination. RESULTS Ecchymosis of the lids was the commonest type of ocular injury. Out of 15 eyelid laceration cases, 10 cases were with mild partial-thickness tears present and 5 had severe lid tears which required suturing. Most of the patients recovered with good vision in 6 months post-treatment and a few fair results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparison between conservative management and surgical management at the end of 4 months post treatment was done. The P-values were > 0.05 hence, not significant. It indicated that the outcomes were independent of the method of management adopted. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of RTAs is increasing due to an increase in the number of vehicles used by the public. Ocular injuries are more often seen in young men especially those driving two-wheelers without safety devices like helmets. Open globe injuries and cases with previous ocular problems have poor outcomes. KEYWORDS Ocular Trauma, Road Traffic Accidents [RTA], Visual Outcome