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Ophthalmic Emergencies in Benin City, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: The types and causes of ophthalmic emergencies at
the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City were
studied prospectively over a 24-month period (January 2002-
December 2003).
Methods: All emergencies presenting at the University of Benin
Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic during this period were
recorded. Cases booked for routine clinic visits were excluded.
Also excluded were routine referrals to the eye clinic except
they required emergency treatment.
Results: Ophthalmic emergencies constituted 1.1% of all
emergencies seen in the hospital. Most of those who presented
were children and young adults < 30 years. Males were more
affected with a male: female ratio of 2.9:1. Trauma accounted
for 53.4% of the cases. This was either in the form of
corneal/scleral laceration (22%), traumatic hyphaema
(14.4%), ruptured globe (6.1%), lid laceration (4.1%) or
burns (6.8%). Non-traumatic causes accounted for 34.1% and
were mostly due to infection/inflammatory causes, presenting
either as panophthalmitis (14.4%), corneal ulcers (10.6%), or
orbital cellulitis (9.1%).
Conclusion: A two-fold strategy for minimizing ophthalmic
emergencies and reducing its devastating effects was
recommended. Health education would promote the use of
protective eyewear for high risk occupations, eradicate late
presentation thereby preventing deterioration of minor ocular
problems and minimizing severe complications. Adopting the
principle of ‘injury control’ will ensure prevention; provide
appropriate emergency medical services for the injured as well
as specialized rehabilitation facilities which should attempt to
return the individual to their former level of functionality
the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City were
studied prospectively over a 24-month period (January 2002-
December 2003).
Methods: All emergencies presenting at the University of Benin
Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic during this period were
recorded. Cases booked for routine clinic visits were excluded.
Also excluded were routine referrals to the eye clinic except
they required emergency treatment.
Results: Ophthalmic emergencies constituted 1.1% of all
emergencies seen in the hospital. Most of those who presented
were children and young adults < 30 years. Males were more
affected with a male: female ratio of 2.9:1. Trauma accounted
for 53.4% of the cases. This was either in the form of
corneal/scleral laceration (22%), traumatic hyphaema
(14.4%), ruptured globe (6.1%), lid laceration (4.1%) or
burns (6.8%). Non-traumatic causes accounted for 34.1% and
were mostly due to infection/inflammatory causes, presenting
either as panophthalmitis (14.4%), corneal ulcers (10.6%), or
orbital cellulitis (9.1%).
Conclusion: A two-fold strategy for minimizing ophthalmic
emergencies and reducing its devastating effects was
recommended. Health education would promote the use of
protective eyewear for high risk occupations, eradicate late
presentation thereby preventing deterioration of minor ocular
problems and minimizing severe complications. Adopting the
principle of ‘injury control’ will ensure prevention; provide
appropriate emergency medical services for the injured as well
as specialized rehabilitation facilities which should attempt to
return the individual to their former level of functionality
