Ocular manifestations in road traffic accidents

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the most common cause of polytrauma. This study aims to evaluate the various ocular manifestations in cases of RTAs. A retrospective review of patients who were treated for RTAs in a tertiary hospital in 6 months from December 2018 to May 2019. A total of 126 patients were reviewed. Age ranged from 2 to 85 years. The mean age was 32 years. Ophthalmological examination was undertaken in all patients involved in RTA. Out of 126 patients, 112 were males and 14 were females. Young adult males (21-30 years) were most vulnerable to RTAs. Soft tissue injuries were the most common manifestations (57.93%) followed by neuro-ophthalmic manifestations (26.98%) and orbital fractures (15.07%). The presence of CT abnormalities especially intra cranial haemorrhage was associated with neuro-ophthalmic deficits. Soft tissue injuries were the most common ocular manifestations. It was found that head trauma causes many neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) was the most common neuro-ophthalmic manifestation. The most common cranial nerve involved was found to be oculomotor nerve. Retrobulbar neuritis was a rare finding.