Risk factors for corneal abrasions in Nepal: a community-based study

South Asia is experiencing rapid urbanization, which may be changing the risk factor profile for ocular trauma. The objective of this study was to compare risk factors for traumatic corneal abrasions in rural versus urban Nepal, and to assess if any risk factors were associated with a poor outcome.

In a prospective, cross-sectional, community-based study performed as part of a cluster-randomized trial, community health workers from Nepal were trained to diagnose and treat traumatic corneal abrasions. Participants with an abrasion were invited to complete a risk factor survey. The main exposure variable was the object of eye injury, stratified by rural-urban residence. The main outcome measure was a lack of corneal healing after a three-day course of antimicrobials.

Of 3657 participants diagnosed with a corneal abrasion, 2265 completed a survey. Eye trauma occurred most frequently during agricultural activities. The most common object of injury was vegetative matter, accounting for approximately 40% of injuries in rural, peri-urban, and urban communities. Wood injuries were more common in rural communities (24%) compared with urban or peri-urban communities (13%). Eye injury from an animal was more likely to result in a non-healing corneal abrasion after 3 days of treatment compared with other types of trauma (prevalence ratio 2.59, 95%CI 1.16-5.76).

Health promotion activities for prevention of corneal ulcers in Nepal should focus on agricultural trauma in both rural and urban areas. Community members experiencing eye trauma from an animal may benefit from early referral to an eye clinic.