Citation

Zagelbaum BM, Tostanoski JR, Kerner DJ, Hersh PS. Ophthalmology 1993; 100(6): 851-856.

Affiliation

Department of Ophthalmology, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10467.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8510896

Abstract

PURPOSE: The authors conducted a 1-year prospective study investigating the demographics, causation, and treatment of eye trauma in an urban population at one medical center. METHODS: All patients sustaining eye injuries who were evaluated by the ophthalmology service over a 1-year interval were included. A formal questionnaire was completed with demographic data and details of the injury being obtained. An ophthalmologic examination was performed on each patient, and examination findings, diagnostic tests obtained, diagnosis, and treatment were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: This study included 584 eye injuries. Three hundred seventy-one injuries (70%) occurred in males and 159 (30%) in females. The average age was 30.5 years; 110 (21%) patients were pediatric. Sixty-two percent of all patients presented within 24 hours of their injury. Thirty-seven percent of all injuries occurred in the street, 31% at home, and only 13% at the workplace. For those older than 65 years of age, 48% of injuries were the result of a fall. Sixty percent of all eye injuries were caused by blunt trauma. Only 42 (8%) patients wore eye wear at the time of their injury. Diagnoses and management were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The inner city population is more likely to sustain eye trauma as the result of an assault and is less likely to be involved in a work- or sports-related injury. Given poor compliance with outpatient management and follow-up, aggressive primary management may be indicated to optimize visual outcome.

Language: en