Epidemiology of penetrating eye injury in ibadan: a 10-year hospital-based review.

PURPOSE

To assess risk factors associated with the occurrence of penetrating ocular injuries among patients presenting to an eye hospital at Ibadan, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of penetrating ocular injury presenting over a 10 - year period, were identified by retrospective chart review. All current cases of penetrating ocular injury identified were included. All information was obtained retrospectively from the medical records.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 135 cases. The follow-up was for an average period of 24.6 weeks (range, 12-312 weeks). Injuries were most likely to occur at home, in a domestic setting (58%). The most common mechanism of injury was projectile missiles hitting the eye. The age range for injuries was 9 months to 70 years. Penetrating ocular injury was most frequent in the 20-29 years group (31.9%) followed by the 0-9 years age group (31.1%). Males were more frequently involved than females (ratio 4:1). The final acuity was better than 6/18 in 14.8% and less than 3/60 in 59.3% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Penetrating ocular injury occurs, most frequently, in a domestic setting and mostly as a result of working with sharp objects. Preventive measures are recommended to reduce visual disabilities due to ocular injuries.