Ocular emergencies.

Abstract

To describe clinical data about ocular emergencies (OE) and their management. Descriptive study. This study was conducted from 1st January, 2000 to 31st December, 2002 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A comprehensive analysis of the computer record available for admitted ocular emergencies was undertaken in terms of gender, age, etiology, procedure performed and hospital stay. Ocular emergencies (1961) were 18.49% of total admissions. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Non-traumatic ocular emergencies were 1058 (53.95%) with male to female ratio of 1.47:1. In the non-traumatic ocular emergencies, majority (67.2%) were 40 years or above. Traumatic ocular emergencies were 925 (47.16%) with male to female ratio of 2.77:1. Majority (83.78%) of traumatic ocular emergencies were below 40 years and 562 (60.75%) below 20 years of age. Only 150 (16.21%) cases were 40 years and above. Corneal ulcers (44.51%) and glaucoma (24.38%) were the most common non-traumatic ocular emergencies, whereas, open globe injuries (73.4%) were leading the traumatic ocular emergencies. Total surgical procedures performed were 1382 (13.7% of total major ophthalmic surgery). Average stay in hospital was 5.5 days. Ocular emergencies predominantly affected the males in this series. Trauma related OE are almost as common as non-traumatic. Majority of OE need surgical intervention and the average hospital stay is longer than routine admissions.