Risk factors identification for ocular trauma in patients who presented in a suburban tertiary care hospital in Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors, and the pattern of ocular trauma in Irrua, a sub-urban community in Edo State, Nigeria.

METHODS: A prospective study of all cases of ocular trauma seen in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria from January to December 2005. The age, gender, occupation, activity at time of injury, use of protective eye wear, visual acuity, and findings on ocular examination were recorded.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-two patients were seen during the period of study. There were 130 males (72.2%) and 52 females (28.8%), with a ratio of 2.5:1. Motorcycle-related road traffic accident was the most common cause of ocular injury occurring in 56 patients (30.8%), followed by assault in 40 patients (22%), and farming in 35 patients (19.2%). The conjunctiva, lids, and cornea were the ocular structures mostly affected. Fifty one patients (28%) were blind in the affected eye, at presentation. Only 22 patients (12.1%) presented within 24 hours of injury.

CONCLUSION: Motorcycle-related accidents were the most significant cause of ocular injury. The use of protective helmets with plastic covering over the face should be enforced. Measures to reduce physical assault in schools, and in the civil society should also be enforced. Farmers should be encouraged to wear protective goggles.