Epidemiology of ocular trauma from Northern Rajasthan

Type of artical: Original Research Article

Section: emergency eye care ocular trauma Retrospective

Background & objectives: Demographic data and visual outcome are crucial variables for effectively planning and delivering meaningful emergency services. The objective of this study was to examine the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with ocular trauma and to assess the prognosis of ocular emergencies based on the time of presentation and the distance travelled to receive initial therapy.

Methods: Detailed history of injury, information of treatment and surgery performed and follow up records were analyzed. Ocular status with presenting vision was noted.

Results: The male to female ratio was 2.13 to 1. The age group most frequently admitted for emergency surgical repair for ocular injuries was 15 years or younger, accounting for 40.19% of all hospitalized patients.  The predominant cause of damage was wooden objects (24%), with metallic objects being the second most common cause among individuals aged 30 years or younger. However, road traffic accidents (RTA) were the primary factor contributing to injuries in individuals aged over 60 years, accounting for 27.31% of cases.

Conclusion: Eye care programs should prioritize ocular trauma due to its higher lifetime frequency compared to other chronic ocular illnesses. Providing training programs and resources to rural health care organizations for the prevention and primary care of ocular trauma emergency will greatly reduce the number of eye-related illnesses and disabilities.