Open Globe Injuries in the United States: Analysis of National Trauma Data

Open Globe Injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable, trauma-related blindness. There is some literature studying the effects of demographic factors as they relate to hospital outcomes. This study characterises trends of Open Globe Injury (OGI) and hospital outcomes based on demographic information utilising the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

Using Python programming software, the NTDB was queried for International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision diagnosis codes related to OGI based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system. Descriptive statistics were calculated utilising chi-square tests, multivariable adjusted logistic regressions, and ANOVA to process adjusted odds ratio (OR) and means of comparison groups.

The final analysis included 21,481 patients. Mean age of OGI was lower for Black (40.01 [40.53-41.49]), American Indian (39.08 [37.15-41.00]), and Hispanic (38.24 [37.70-38.77]) populations. OR for Black patients was lower for work-related OGI (0.36 [0.30-0.44]), but higher for drug-positive OGI (1.51 [1.35-1.69]). Black and American Indian patients had increased odds for assault-related injuries and decreased odds for accident-related injuries. Race and ethnicity had little to no effect on mortality, or discharge to home with service, ICU, or step-down unit. Mean age of fall on the same level injuries was (71.28 [70.49-72.07]); all other mechanisms of injury had a mean age < 42.

Our research offers a unique perspective on OGI utilising the NTDB. The trends identify at-risk populations not previously reported and suggests potential racial effects of public safety, work safety and precautions for open globe injuries.