Eye casualties during Operation Telic.

AIM

To audit all eye casualties presenting to a British Army Field Hospital during the conflict period of Operation Telic between the dates 27th March and 1st May 2003.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of entries into the attendance register and clinical notes from the Emergency Department of 34 Field Hospital.

RESULTS

Forty five eye casualties were seen in the Emergency Department of 34 Field Hospital and they accounted for 2.0% of all attendances (n=2292). Of these, eye injuries were the commonest (58.7%), whilst the diagnosis of conjunctivitis was the most frequent non-traumatic presentation. A total of 6 casualties required transfer rearwards to a specialist UK facility. Of all eye casualties seen, 6 were of non-coalition status.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye patients account for a significant proportion of the total number of casualties seen during the warfighting stage; only 25% of eye injuries can return to active duty, compared with 85% of all surviving wounded. Importantly, even minor eye injuries or infections can rapidly incapacitate personnel and if untreated cause permanent severe visual loss. The prompt diagnosis of ocular pathology, coupled with appropriate treatment in the field or evacuation for advanced care, can limit potential sight-threatening sequelae.