PATTERN OF OCULAR TRAUMA IN A TERTIARY REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA

*Dr. Seema Das and Dr. Mitesh Behari

ABSTRACT

Aim: To analyze the pattern of ocular trauma, their causative agents and to find the correlation between time of intervention & visual outcome in general population referred to the ophthalmology OPD in a tertiary referral hospital in remote group of islands in India. Method: Prospective observational study, in which general patients having ocular trauma between April 2015 -April 2016 referred to our hospital were enrolled. These patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and intervention as required. Demographic data, mechanism, cause of injury and visual outcome were recorded with details of anterior and posterior segment evaluation. Follow up period: 6 months. Results: 310 patients were enrolled. Age ranged from 5 months to 65 years; Male: female ratio 5.2:1.Out of all, trauma occurred at work place, home, school and Road Traffic Accidents. Most common modes of injury-welding, building construction, wooden-stick, RTA, pencils/pens, cricket ball. Injuries were classified as open globe, adnexal and closed globe. Conclusion: From this study it is concluded that delay in presentation has a significant effect on final visual outcome along with presence of complications. This study revealed that the most common cause of ocular trauma is occupation related injuries which is mostly preventable cause of blindness. So it is advised to take preventive measures like, protective goggles during welding, supervising children while playing wearing seat belts while driving, etc. There should be an urgent referral system for ocular trauma patients.

Keywords: ocular trauma, visual outcome, occupational injury.