Prevalence of ocular trauma in different age groups and gender presenting at Nishtar Hospital, Multan.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ocular trauma in different age groups and gender presenting at Nishtar Hospital, Multan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, five hundred and twenty-eight patients of both gender and minimum of one year of age with ocular trauma were included. Patients with non-accidental injury (NAI) were excluded. Ocular trauma was defined as any injury affecting the eye or adnexa that required hospital admission and had a principal or secondary discharge. Demographic details from all the patients in terms of age and gender were recorded.

RESULTS: Age range in this study was equal to or more than one year with the mean age of 15.924 ± 11.21 years. Frequency and percentage of patients with ocular trauma according to age groups were 116 (21.97%) in 1-5 years. 106 (20.08%) in 6-10 years, 86 (16.29%) in 11-15 years, 56 (10.61%) in 16-20 years and majority of the patients (164) were from >20 years age group (31.06%). Frequency and percentage of patients according to gender were 366 (69.32%) males and 162 (30.68%) females.

CONCLUSION: Males are more prone to ocular trauma than females and the majority of ocular trauma occurs at home. Eye health awareness programs and strict legislation to use protective devices should be emphasized so that it can help to reduce the occurrence of ocular trauma.

KEY WORDS: Ocular trauma, Ocular injury, Community eye care.