Analysis of Demographic Features and Risk Factors in Patients With Ocular Trauma

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic characteristics of patients with closed or open globe injuries at a tertiary referral center and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of ocular trauma.

Data on age, gender, education level, affected eye, type of trauma (closed or open globe), and location (workplace, home, traffic), and any accompanying systemic injuries, ocular trauma score, and visual acuity were recorded for all patients.

A total of 1,638,568 adult and pediatric emergency department visits were analyzed in the study. Of these visits, 4546 involved patients with ocular trauma. Among patients with ocular trauma, 589 were children, and 3957 were adults. Work-related injuries were reported in 869 of the patients in our study. Of the patients with work-related injuries, 804 were male. The risk of a work-related injury was found to be 6.56 times higher in males compared with females. Only 15 of these patients were wearing protective eyewear and/or a welding shield at the time of the incident. All patients with sports injuries and bullet/gunshot wounds were male. The age distribution of patients with ocular trauma due to falls peaked in 2 age groups: young males aged 20 to 30 and adults aged 70 and older.

In conclusion, ocular trauma is more common among males and is frequently associated with workplace accidents. Closed globe injuries are the predominant type, and high-energy trauma, such as bullet wounds, is associated with poorer visual acuity. Furthermore, the fact that falls and injuries from sharp/piercing tools are among the most common causes, combined with the very low rate of protective equipment use, indicates that these injuries are largely preventable. Therefore, enhancing workplace safety measures, promoting the widespread use of protective equipment, and developing educational programs to raise public awareness will play a critical role in reducing the frequency and severity of ocular trauma.