Pattern and outcomes of Ocular trauma in patients seen at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background: Trauma to the eye is a major global health problem leading to monocular blindness and visual impairment mostly in the developing countries especially among the lower socio-economic classes. Publ ic awareness of safety measures against ocular trauma and appropriate legislation may help to minimize the incidence of ocular injuries especially in the developing countries. Objective: To determine the epidemiologic characteristics. causes and outcomes of ocular injuries in patients treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Study design: Retrospective case series Study setting: Department of Ophthalmology. MTRII in l.ldorct. Kenya. Subjects: Patients of all ages with ocular trauma seen at MTRII between I st January 2005 and 3 I st Dec 2009 Outcome measures: Visual outcomes and complications Data collection and analysis: A structured questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Data were entered and analysed using the Statistical Package lor Social Scientists (SPSS). Frequencies were generated for categorical variables while medians were calculated for continuous variables.

Results: A total 0 f 524 patient records were reviewed (403 outpatient and 121 inpatient). The male to female ratio was 2.5: I. The median age of presentation was 24 years while the predominant age group affected was 21-30 years. The home was the commonest setting of injury 30.7% (n'''85) followed by farm/workplace 24.6% (n68). Open globe injuries accounted for 70% of injuries and closed globe injuries 301Yl). Sticks were the most common causative agent 30.6% followed by stones 12.2%. The median interval before hospital presentation was 3 days.

The average time before surgery after admission was I day. Corneal opacity was the commonest post-treatment complication 20% (n -14) among inpatients. Due to the small number of patients with recorded visual acuity at follow up, it was not possible to establish an association between visual acuity at the initial visit and at follow up. The mean Duration of hospital stay was 4 days with a mean bill of KSh. 5,306 ($62).

Conclusions: Ocular trauma was more common in young males. The home was the commonest setting of injury followed by work-related injuries. Public health education and promotion of preventive strategies may reduce the incidence of ocular injuries.