Prevalence of ocular injuries in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Aim and Objective: To study and analyse the profile of ocular injuries presenting to our hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital based observational prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to January 2019. Data on demographics, nature and severity of injury, visual acuity at the time of presentation and during follow up were noted. A thorough evaluation included visual acuity, colour vision, anterior and posterior segment examination and imaging whenever needed was done. The patient was followed for three months and the best corrected visual acuity at the end of 12 weeks was recorded. Results: A total of 240 patients were recorded of whom males outnumbered the females and children and constituted 63%(151) of people involved. Most common cause being RTA occurred that in the age group 21-30 years. With maximum number of accidents from two-wheeler followed by industrial injuries. Injuries involving anterior segment constituted 77% (184) and injuries involving posterior segment constituted 13%(31) and that both anterior segment and posterior segment injuries constituted 11%(26). The nature of the injury differed in different age groups. Visual prognosis was better in patients who presented early and underwent appropriate treatment. Conclusion: Educating community regarding safe riding practices, use of preventive measures, strict implementation of the traffic rules and avoiding alcohol while driving will reduce the incidence of Road traffic accidents and prevent ocular morbidity. Preventive ophthalmology plays a crucial role in educating the industrial workers to use the protective googles during their work. Keywords: Ocular trauma, Preventive measures, Public awareness, Road traffic accidents, Workplace injury.