Spectrum of Ocular Trauma Presenting to ophthalmic OPD

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular trauma is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Etiologies of ocular injury differ from area to area and from country to country, difference according to demographic or socioeconomic classes have been reported. Measures to be taken for prevention of ocular trauma require knowledge of the cause and mechanism of injury, which may enable more accurate planning to prevent such injuries. The classification of ocular trauma with standardized terminology was developed by Kuhn and associates. The International Society of Ocular Trauma subsequently used this terminology to develop a classification system for mechanical injuries of the eye. This study was conducted to identify the etiology and nature of ocular trauma affecting our population. Aim: To identify the causes of ocular trauma and determine the types of various injuries presenting to the ophthalmic OPD Al-Thawra central hospital Al-Baida Libya. Subjects and Methods: 80 patients included in this study Presented to ophthalmic OPD Al-Thawra central hospital AlBaida Libya with history of Trauma during a period of three months. Following data were collected: patient’s age, gender, affected eye, etiology of trauma, place of trauma, visual acuity and Ocular Injury to time of presentation. Result: There were 80 eyes of 80 patients, of which 77.50% were males and 22.50% were females. The ages ranged from 1–50 years. The highest incidence of trauma was seen in the 21– 30-year age group (30.0%). Blunt trauma occurred in 42.5% of cases and foreign body trauma in 33.3% of cases. The highest incidence of eye injury occurred at workplace (50.0%) followed by the Home (22.5%), then Playground (20.0%). Assault-related eye injury was seen in 25% of cases and 75% of all injuries were accidental. Conclusion: Education programs regarding the safety measures to be taken to protect the eyes during work and other activities will be quite helpful to minimize the incidence of ocular trauma among the risk groups.