Pattern of ocular trauma in Assiut University Hospitals.

Abstract

Ocular trauma is an important worldwide preventable public healtb problem (Wong et al., 2000). The aetiology, severity and outcome of ocular trauma depend on many factors in tbe environment that are constantly changing Trauma can be considered to be potentially preventable cause of ocular morbidity if environmental risk factors can be identified and controlled or modified (Vernon, 1990).

A hospital based descriptive study included all patients attending Assiut University Hospitals witb ocular trauma (ophthalmic clinic outpatients and inpatients in Ophthalmology and Casualty Departments) for a period 8 months was conducted.

The study aims to measure the magnitude of ocular trauma problem in Assiut University Hospitals among outpatient attendants of ophthalmic clinics and inpatients in Ophtbalmology and Casualty Departments; clarify tbe prevalent causes and types of ocular injuries, and suggest prevention plan for the most common injuries.

The data was obtained through a structured interview questionnaire, which includes Personal data (e.g. age, sex, residence.. etc) and if a child below or 16 years, parents education and occupation and presence of parents or adult during time of trauma were included, ocular trauma as regard mechanism, cause, place of injury, time elapses before medical care.. etc.

Data analysis revealed that:

The all attendants of ophtbalmic clinic outpatients in Assiut University Hospitals during tbe study were 12273 patients. The age of them was ranged from I month to 93 years. About one third of them (32.2%) were in the age group (40- <60), and only 1% in the age group {0::80). Female attendants were more than males (53.9% versus 46.1%).