Age distribution and etiological characteristics of patients hospitalized with mechanical ocular trauma from 2017 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Ocular trauma is a significant cause of visual impairment, imposing substantial social and economic burdens and severely affecting patients’ quality of life. This study aims to analyze the age distribution and etiological characteristics of inpatients hospitalized due to mechanical injuries to the eyeball and its adnexa, and propose relevant strategies for preventing such injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the medical records of inpatients with ocular mechanical injuries to the eyeball and its adnexa at Xuzhou First People’s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. The study statistically analyzed the patients’ age distribution, gender, injury types, and causes of injury. RESULTS: A total of 2,048 medical records were collected, with patients’ ages ranging from 7 months to 96 years. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1. The 10–19 years age group had the smallest number of inpatients (6.2%). The 50–59 years age group had the largest number of inpatients (20.61%). Open globe injury (OGI) was the most common injury type. Pens and scissors had the highest incidence in children aged 0–9 years, accounting for 14.6% and 13.1% respectively (P < 0.05); iron products such as hooks, iron sheets, wires, and metal shavings had the highest incidence in the 20–29 years (25.7%) and 40–49 years (24.3%) age groups (P < 0.05). Falls had the highest incidence in individuals aged over 70 years (20%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The main causes of mechanical eye injuries in the Huaihai region of China differ by age group: work-related metal objects for middle-aged individuals, sharp objects (pens, scissors) for children, and falls for the elderly. Specific preventive measures are crucial for reducing the incidence of ocular trauma.