Ocular trauma epidemiology: 10-year retrospective study
Pandita, A.; Merriman, M.
New Zealand Medical Journal 125(1348): 61-69
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 22282278 Document Number: 656450
This study is performed to determine the epidemiology and incidence of ocular trauma in Waikato, New Zealand. The data was analysed on age, sex, ethnicity and type of trauma. Visual acuity (VA) at presentation and discharge was recorded. Details of slit lamp examination were noted. There were a total of 821 injuries. Men had higher rate of ocular trauma than women (74% vs 26%, p<0.001). Mean age was 31 years for males and 37 years for females respectively. Highest number of ocular trauma was seen in age group 15-20 (11.5%). There were 253 open globe injuries (OGI) and 568 closed globe injuries (CGI) (p<0.001). The most frequent causes of eye injuries in men were related to outdoor activities (25.9%) and work (20.7%). In women, outdoor activity was also the highest cause (10%). The annual rate of ocular trauma was 20.5 per 100,000 populations. Final VA of greater than and equal to 6/12 was found in 590 eyes, 6/12-6/60 in 143 eyes and greater than and equal to 6/60 in 88 eyes. Primary or secondary vitreoretinal procedures were performed in 54 eyes. There were three cases (0.3%) of endophthalmitis (inflammation of the internal coats of the eye). This study provides insight into epidemiology of ocular trauma in Waikato, New Zealand.