Clinical profile and risk factors of ocular trauma: a hospital-based study from Pondicherry, India

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the epidemiological, clinical profile, and risk factors of ocular trauma.

Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective study conducted at a rural tertiary care center. All patients who reported with eye injury during the study period were included. A detailed history regarding the sociodemographic data and clinical setting of injury was obtained followed by examination of eye and adnexa.

Results: The study comprised of 145 eyes of 129 patients. Males constituted 86.80%, the ratio of males to females being 6.6. Injury to right eye was common (48.1%). Road traffic accident (RTA) (79.8%) was the leading cause. Only 1.6% used eye protection. On presentation, 31.54% of the cases showed visual impairment grade 2–4. Closed globe injury was seen in 98 (67.57%) and open-globe injury in 4 (2.76%). Orbital fractures were noted in 13.79% and traumatic optic neuropathy in 6.21%. Majority (87.6%) suffered injuries to lid and lacrimal apparatus.

Conclusion: Most ocular injuries in this rural population occurred from RTA; with associated injuries to the globe and orbit. Alcohol consumption and lack of eye protection are prominent associations that require social intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol consumption
• eye protection
• ocular trauma
• road traffic injuries
• rural population

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.