Study of Clinical and Demographic Profile of Ocular Trauma and Its Effect on Visual Outcome

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOcular trauma is an important preventable cause of visual morbidity, especially among younger population in developing countries. It constitutes a significant cause of monocular blindness. Aims-To study the demographic and clinical profile of ocular trauma and its effect on visual outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis prospective study was conducted on 200 patients visiting Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar with ocular trauma. All patients above 5 years of age were included in the study. Patients with comorbid eye diseases affecting the visual acuity were excluded from the study. Data obtained was tabulated and analysed statistically. RESULTSOut of 100 patients, 46% were between 16 -35 years of age. Males (88%) were predominantly affected. Road side accident (30%) was found to be the most common cause of injury; 71 patients presented within 5 days of injury. Closed globe injury (81%) was more common than open globe. Conjunctiva (80 patients) was the most commonly involved ocular structure followed by eyelids (60 patients). The visual acuity observed in the affected eye at the time of admission was between 6/18 -6/6 in 44% of patients followed by < 3/60 in 25%. CONCLUSIONRoad side accident is the most common cause of ocular trauma. Younger age group and males are predominantly affected. Closed globe is the common type of injury and conjunctiva is the mostly affected ocular structure.