The Epidemiology of Fishing-Associated Ocular Injuries

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Fishing is a popular recreational activity with inherent risks of eye injury.
• Ocular trauma associated with fishing, termed fishing-associated ocular injuries (FOIs), requires updated epidemiologic understanding.
• Previous data on FOIs may not reflect current trends and characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide updated epidemiologic information on the trends and characteristics of fishing-associated ocular injuries (FOIs).
• To analyze the demographic, diagnostic, and mechanistic factors contributing to FOIs.
• To identify trends in emergency department (ED) visits for FOIs over a 20-year period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective descriptive analysis and trend study.
• Data sourced from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.
• Analysis of 346 FOI entries from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2024, stratified by year.

Main Results:

• The most common diagnoses for FOIs were contusions or abrasions (40.7%).
• Top injury mechanisms included fishhooks/lures (32.5%), fishing rods/poles (21.4%), and fishing leads/weights (11.6%).
• Adult males (18-64 years) were the primary demographic affected; ED visits for FOIs showed a negative trend over 20 years (r = -0.481).

Conclusions:

• This study offers current epidemiologic insights into fishing-related eye injuries.
• Understanding FOI characteristics is vital for clinicians managing ocular trauma in recreational settings.
• Awareness of these injury patterns can inform prevention strategies and clinical management.