[Severe open-globe eye injuries: socio-demographic aspects and risk factors]

To evaluate sociodemographic aspects and risk factors of severe open-globe ocular injuries.

We present data from prospective study of 315 patients with severe open-globe ocular injuries, meeting inclusion criteria.

The patients in our series were predominantly male (92.70%). The male to female ratio was 12.7:1. Almost 27% of the patients were from the age group of 30-39 years. Home (53.65%), streets and highways (19.05%) were the most common place of injury, followed by industrial premises (11.11%), agricultural activities (8.25%), recreation and sports (5.40%); 15.56% of cases were work-related. Sharp objects (43.17%) and hammering on metal (24.44%) were the two major causes of injury. Alcohol intoxication was observed in 13.65% of cases. Severe open-globe eye injuries were classified into four categories: penetrating injuries (56.83%), perforating injuries (2.54%), globe ruptures (12.38 %), and IOFB injuries (28.25%). Males suffered significantly more often than females in the age of 20-29 (OR=1.39+/-95% CI 1.10-1.75, P<0.01) and 30-39-year (OR=1.75+/-95% PI 1.45-2.22, P<0.01). Risk factors of severe open-globe eye injuries for male gender were living in urban setting (P=0.001), alcohol use (P=0.001), occupation--unemployed (P=0.001) and retired persons (P=0.011).

Risk factors for male gender to sustain severe open-globe eye injury were living in urban setting, alcohol use, and occupation (unemployed and retired persons).