Pattern of ocular trauma in Gusau, north west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Ocular trauma is an important public health hazard especially in the developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of ocular injuries in patients who presented at the eye clinic of Federal Medical Center, Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between 1^st January and 31^st December, 2008. All consecutive, consenting patients with ocular trauma were interviewed with the aid of an interviewer-administered questionnaire and underwent a detailed eye examination.

Results: There were 121 patients in the study with 101 (83.4%) males and 20 (16.6%) females. The most common location of ocular trauma was more on the road (32.2%); road traffic accident (RTA), followed by home/domestic injury (23.1%) and at work in 15.8%. The most common anatomical site of injury was the cornea (40.6%) followed by the lids (17.5%) and the iris (14%).

Conclusion: In this study, RTA was the most common cause of ocular trauma followed by domestic injuries. There is need for community education on preventive measures such as use of safety seat belts while driving and importance of supervising playing children at home.

Keywords: Blunt injury, ocular trauma, penetrating injury