Ocular Trauma Characteristics in Cases Admitted to Alexandria University Main Hospital: A Medicolegal Study

Document Type : Original Article

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Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular trauma is a common cause of monocular visual impairment and blindness worldwide, with significant socioeconomic impact.
Aim of the work: Was to describe the pattern of ocular trauma in patients attended the Emergency Section of the Ophthalmology Department of Alexandria University Main Hospital and its medicolegal consequences as a permanent infirmity.
Patients and methods: The study included 82 Egyptian patients (48 males and 34 females)presented to the Emergency Section of the Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University in the period from the 1st of August 2013 to the end of January 2014. A specially designed sheet included the personal data, data related to the injury, treatment and outcome.
Results: The age of patients ranged from 6 months to 63 years with a mean of 26.5 ± 15.9 years. Males (58.5%) outnumbered females (41.5%). Majority of injuries were accidental (56.1%) followed by assaults (43.9 %). Street injuries represented the highest percentage 43.9% of ocular trauma. Regarding the causative instruments, the most commonly involved was blunt objects (43.9% of cases) followed by sharp objects (31.7%). Closed globe injuries (CGI) accounted for the majority of admitted patients (68.3% of all eyes) while open globe injuries (OGI) represented 31.7%. Permanent infirmity was found in 46.34% of cases.
Conclusion: The results of the present work indicated that ocular trauma is a significant cause of visual loss and infirmity among Egyptian population. The study demonstrates the need for primary prevention and control measures.

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