Main Article Content
Pattern of perforating ocular injuries at Menelik II hospital, Addis Ababa
Abstract
Methods: A one-year prospective study was conducted at Menelik II hospital, department of ophthalmology. A questionnaire was developed and all patients diagnosed to have perforating type of ocular injuries were included.
Results: There were a total of 212 patients. The mean age was 22.4 with a standard deviation of + 15.46. Male to female ratio was 3.42:1. Students and farmers comprised 122 (57.5%) of all the victims. One hundred twenty two (57.5 %) arrived at the hospital after three or more days and 115 (54.2 %) traveled more than one hundred kilometers. School, home, workplace, and entertainment places accounted for 26.4%, 25.9%, 25.0% and 15.1 % of injuries respectively. Primary surgical repair was performed for 123 (58 %) of patients, evisceration and enucleation was done for 39.6 % and 2.4 % respectively.
Conclusion and recommendation: Perforating ocular injury is a public health problem that lacks health care service at a community level. We recommend primary eye care service at all health institutions and appropriate preventive measures that specially addresses students and farmers.
(Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 2001, 15(2): 131-137)