A study on patients presenting with injuries to the eye

Ocular injuries are a common occurrence, as the eye is very susceptible to trauma. This study was carried out to determine the main causes of injuries to the eye and to assess the degree of impairment of vision caused by such injuries. A total of 191 victims of ocular injuries who presented for medico-legal examination during a 1-year period were analysed in respect of their sex, age, type of injury and degree of visual impairment. The majority of victims in this study group had sustained injuries following assault. There did not appear to be any correlation between use of a weapon and the gravity of the eye injury. Victims with acid burns although fewer in number, had a higher proportion with a more severe degree of visual impairment.