Epidemiology of eye injuries in a high-income developing country: An observational study

Vision loss following eye trauma is a serious health problem worldwide. The aim of the study was to report the epidemiology of eye injury that requires hospitalization and surgery at a secondary referral center in a high-income developing country so as to give recommendations regarding its prevention. All patients who had an eye injury that required surgical intervention between 2012 and 2017 at Al-Ain Hospital were retrospectively studied. Demography, cause of injury, and visual acuity before and after treatment were studied. Results revealed that 141 patients were operated, 96 eyes with open globe and 48 with other injuries. The median (IQR) age was 25 (11.5–37) years, 89% were males. Majority of injuries occurred at work (50.4%) followed by home (31.2%). Sharp objects (24.1%) and blunt trauma (16.3%) were the most common mechanism of injury. Eye injury was less during the weekends (Friday and Saturday) and during the summer vacation. Cornea injuries (48.2%) were the most frequent cause for visual acuity deterioration followed by lens/cataract (23.4%). Among injured eyes, 30 eyes (21.3%) retained intraocular foreign bodies. There was significant improvement of the visual acuity after surgery (P < .0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Our study has shown that eye injury is a major risk for visual loss of young people which is mainly work-related. Use of personal protective equipment for the eyes and adopting legislative eye safety regulations will reduce the impact of eye injuries in our community.