Eye Injuries in Citizens of South Poland

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and treatment results in adult citizens of Silesia with mechanical eye (globe) injuries. Design: Retrospective cohort study Participants: 331 patients, 324 eyes Methods: Data on 331 patients with eye injuries primarily presented and hospitalized between 1995 and 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The incidence of mechanical eye globe injuries requiring hospitalization at our department was 4.3 per 100,000 citizens annually. Out of 331 mechanical injuries 174 were closed globe and 157 open globe injuries. The majority of patients were young men in third to fifth decade. Most injuries occurred at work (43.8%) and at home (33.8%). At highest risk of house-related injuries were women (59.52%), and work-related injuries were men (49.13%). The housekeeping was associated with the highest risk of severe eye injury (64.71%). High-velocity and low-velocity metal pieces were the most common traumatic factor (37.16%). Four predictors of duration of hospital stay: poor initial and final visual acuity, posterior segment damages and necessity of the performance of complicated surgical procedures were revealed (to date, first reported). Conclusion: The main risk factor of serious ocular injuries in young-adults is extensive work and house-related activity. We observed, the remaining factors play important, but supporting role in eye trauma.