Eye injuries in northern Sweden.

An analysis of 927 eye injuries treated at the University Hospital of Umeå, Northern Sweden, during a one-year period has been made. The estimated incidence was 8.1 per 1000 population. 86% of the injured were men. An overrepresentation of severe injuries were found in children and young adults, aged 10-19 years. 94.5% of the injuries were minor. The most common diagnosis was foreign body adherent to cornea or conjunctiva (40%). All chemical injuries were superficial. One-third of the sports injuries were caused by hockey-bockey and indoor bandy. Most of these were major injuries. The total cost of the injuries was assessed at SEK 1300,000. More information to the public concerning use of safety glasses and potential risks of eye trauma could reduce eye injury incidence.