Communal Conflict- Related Ocular Trauma

Abstract

[Nig J Clinical Practice Vol.5(1) 2002: 1-4]Purpose: To determine the cause, morbidity and visual outcome of ocular injuries sustained during the Ife/Modakeke communal conflict which occurred between A9ugust 1997 and December 1998.

Method: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients with eye injuries resulting from the conflict, treated at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching, Hospital, Ile-Ife and 2 private eye clinics in Ile-Ife and Modakeke.

Results: Fifty-five eyes of 54 patients were injured. The mean age was 32 years with a male preponderance of 96.3%. Forty-two eyes (76.4%) were injured by gunfire through direct impact, backfire or stray bullet. Thirty-one eyes (56.4%) sustained closed-globe injuries while 24 (43.6%) had open-globe injuries. Thirty-five eyes (63.6%) were blind, out of which 9 eyes (16.4%) required primary enucleation.

Conclusion: Civilian conflict with the use of firearms is associated with severe ocular morbidity. Maintenance of peace is essential.

KEYWORDS: Conflict, ocular trauma, gunshot injury, blindness

[Nig J Clinical Practice Vol.5(1) 2002: 1-4]