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Horsing Around: A Retrospective Study of Equestrian Related Eye Injuries in the Emergency Department
Cullen Moran1, Maya Harrington1, Jonathan Barnett1
1Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, Tennessee.
Background:
Equestrian activities pose significant risks for ocular and ocular adnexal injuries, particularly from horse kicks and falls from horse riding.
Objective:
This study characterizes the spectrum of horse-related ocular trauma, analyzes outcomes, and provides recommendations for management of these injuries.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted at a large academic medical institution in the southeastern U.S. using ICD codes to identify horse-related ocular trauma cases. Demographics, injury mechanisms, clinical presentation, treatment, and long-term sequelae were analyzed.
Results:
Fifty patients (34 males, 16 females; mean age 37 years) sustained 73 ocular injuries. The most common mechanism was a horse kick (50%), followed by falls from a horse (28%). Orbital fractures (58%) were most frequent, followed by eyelid/periocular lacerations (16%), traumatic optic neuropathy (5%), corneal abrasions (5%), and open globe injuries (3%). Globe injuries were more associated with horse kicks than with falls from a horse.
Conclusions:
Horse-related ocular trauma frequently involves severe injuries with a high rate of surgical intervention and long-term complications. Emergency providers should have a high suspicion for ocular injuries in midface trauma, particularly from horse kicks. Improved education, helmet use, and protective gear may help mitigate these risks.
