Firework-inflicted ocular trauma in children and adults in an urban German setting

Abstract

Purpose: To assess firework-inflicted ocular trauma in the German capital during the week around New Year’s Eve with regards to patient characteristics and age, severity of injuries, and their management and outcome. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting to the department of ophthalmology of Charité—University Medicine Berlin during a 7-day period around New Year’s Eve in the years 2014–2017 was performed. Patients with ocular complaints and injuries caused by fireworks were included. We recorded demographic data, active role, visual acuity at presentation and at last follow-up, the most pertinent clinical findings, management and outcome with regards to visual acuity, and integrity of the eye. Results: A total of 146 patients with 165 injured eyes were included. Median age at presentation was 23 (4–58) years, and 71.2% were male. Fifty-one patients (34.9%) were less than 18 years old. Ninty-seven patients (66.4%) sustained minor, 34 (23.3%) sustained moderate, and 15 (10.3%) sustained severe injuries. Severe trauma was seen in younger patients (median age: 12, range: 4–58 years) than mild and moderate trauma (median age: 23, range: 4–45 years) and resulted in loss of light perception in two eyes and in a visual acuity of only light perception in three eyes. One eye was enucleated. Conclusion: Ocular trauma inflicted by fireworks can have serious consequences for ocular morbidity and visual acuity, especially in severe trauma which affected younger patients. To significantly reduce firework-inflicted trauma, a ban of private fireworks in densely populated areas and in the vicinity of children should be considered.

Fireworks Ocular Injury in Saudi Children; Profile and Management Outcomes

“…Ruptured globes occurred in 34% of patients, which is similar to previously reported rates. 3 We found corneal abrasions in about 44% of patients, showing conformity with nding by Wisse et al 4 This study has several limitations. It is a retrospective study.…”

“…Ocular injuries often lead to acquired monocular blindness in children. 1 Fireworks are employed to express rejoicement on the eve of New Year and several National Days 2,3 in various countries around the year. Several studies have reported damage in an average of 21.8% of 4 individuals: ranging from 16-45% in Europe 5 .…”

“…Explosive physical and chemical reactions triggered during reworks explosions may injure eyes and hands most and fatally affect these organs. 3 The Public Prosecution Law and its strict implementation in KSA have warned of serious implications due to reworks' misuse and mishandling. It stipulates that the authorized person is a natural or legal person who meets the necessary conditions and is authorized by the Ministry of Interior (MOI), KSA.…”

“…All patients with isolated eye injuries and different body injuries are treated in a general hospital. Ocular injuries caused by reworks [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] were reported in several previous studies. However, so far little data about the epidemiology of reworks-related ocular injuries among children and information on the type of reworks in Saudi Arabia are on record in literature.…”

Fireworks ocular injury in Saudi children: profile and management outcomes

“…Ocular injuries often lead to acquired monocular blindness in children 1 . Firework is employed to express rejoicement on the eve of New Year and several National Days 2 , 3 in various countries. Several studies have reported damage in an average of 21.8% of 4 individuals: ranging from 16 to 45% in Europe 4 .…”