A STUDY OF ETIOLOGY AND SPECTRUM OF EYE INJURIES IN TRAUMA PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

AIM
To study the causes and spectrum of eye injuries in trauma patients attending the Ophthalmology department in a tertiary care centre in South India.
METHOD
A prospective hospital based study was carried out in 560 trauma patients with ocular injuries
were conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri
from January 2023 to June 2023. Detailed history was taken regarding time, place and
session of trauma, mode of injury and type and nature of traumatic agent. All the patients
underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation to identify the type, extent and severity of
injury and impact on ocular structures and vision. All the trauma patients with eye and orbital
injuries were included in the study.
RESULTS
Out of 560 patients, males were most commonly affected. The mostly involved age group
was between 21 to 30 years. Periorbital edema with ecchymosis was the most common ocular
manifestation. Road traffic accidents were the most common etiology for the trauma followed
by assault. Visual acuity at presentation was normal in most cases.
CONCLUSION
Trauma patients are at high risk for vision-threatening injuries. Early detection and management of eye injuries is essential to reduce the rate of complications and save the
vision. Young males involved in RTAs represent a risk group.