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The pattern of perforating eye injuries in Ireland
1Eye Department, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|June 10, 2000
Summary
Work-related and DIY eye injuries are the most common causes of perforating eye injuries. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper eye protection, while assault-related injuries have a poor visual outcome.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Perforating eye injuries predominantly present to specialized eye units.
- Data from these units offer reliable insights into injury incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes and visual outcomes of perforating eye injuries.
- Focus on injuries presenting to a single eye unit over 12 months.
Main Methods:
- Identified patients from operating room registers.
- Reviewed case notes and conducted eye examinations.
- Assessed current visual acuity.
Main Results:
- 37 perforating eye injuries were operated on between January and December 1995.
- Males constituted 83.8% of patients (mean age 33.9 years).
- Leading causes: work/DIY (32.4%), miscellaneous accidents (27.0%), assault (16.2%), road traffic accidents (10.8%).
- 54.1% of eyes had vision worse than 6/60.
Conclusions:
- Work-related and DIY activities are primary causes of eye perforation.
- Adequate eye protection can prevent many injuries.
- Assault-related injuries are increasing and associated with poor visual prognosis.