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The effect of frontal air bags on eye injury patterns in automobile crashes
Stefan M Duma1, M Virginia Jernigan, Joel D Stitzel
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Impact Biomechanics Laboratory, 114 Randolph Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. duma@vy.edu
Objective:
To investigate eye injuries resulting from frontal automobile crashes and to determine the effects of frontal air bags.
Methods:
The National Automotive Sampling System database files from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1999, were examined in a 3-part study that included an investigation of 22 236 individual crashes that occurred in the United States. A new 4-level eye injury severity scale that quantifies injuries based on recovery time, need for surgery, and possible loss of sight was developed.
Results:
Of all occupants who were exposed to an air bag deployment, 3% sustained an eye injury. In contrast, 2% of occupants not exposed to an air bag deployment sustained an eye injury. A closer examination of the type of eye injuries showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the risk of corneal abrasions for occupants who were exposed to an air bag compared with those who were not (P =.03). Of occupants exposed to an air bag deployment, 0.5% sustained a corneal abrasion compared with 0.04% of occupants who were not exposed to an air bag.
Conclusions:
Using the new injury levels, it was shown that although occupants exposed to an air bag deployment had a higher risk of sustaining minor eye injuries, the air bag appears to have provided a beneficial exchange by reducing the number of severe eye injuries.
