ABSTRACT
This study was done in all cases of bear attacked patSients admitted in our tertiary centre Chhattisgarh institute of medical science (CIMS) who suffered ocular and adnexal injuries. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is found to be native in many forest areas of the state of Chhattisgarh including North Bilaspur Forest Division (NBFD). The study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology, Chhattisgarh institute of medical science (CIMS) Bilaspur Chhattisgarh for the duration of 3 years (January 2018 to December 2020). All patients who were admitted in our institute with ocular and/or adnexal injuries from bear attack have been included in this study. 27 patients were attacked by sloth bear in the forest areas of Bilaspur division and referred to our tertiary centre. These patients had ocular and adnexal injuries. These bears were found roaming in the forest areas and also at places of human and animal habitats. 67% (18 of 27) patients were attacked in the forest areas, while some were attacked in the crop fields (15%), home courtyard (7%) and near water bodies (11%). Sloth bears are one of the most aggressive bears who have attacked human populations. The injuries cause severe visual loss and disfigurement to eyeball and adnexa. Proper measures are needed to be implemented to prevent such cases in future.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Ocular trauma is one of the most common causes of acquired blindness in children. It measures about 8%-14% of total childhood injuries. This study aims to determine the epidemiological profile of ocular trauma in the pediatric age group attending a tertiary hospital in northern India.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was conducted in our hospital between June 2014 to July 2015 and all the children aged 0-16 years presenting with ocular trauma in eye outpatient department and emergency were enrolled in the study. Various epidemiological parameters like age, sex distribution, duration of presentation, mode of injury, type of injury and final visual outcome were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of total 357 patients, 271 (76%) were below the age of 12 years; 41.1% of children with ocular trauma belonged to age group 2-6 years. The male to female ratio was 2.9:1. Out of total patients, 242 (67.8%) presented with closed globe injury. Among the closed globe injury, the history of fall was present in about 35% of children, followed by trauma while playing with bat/ball (15.7%) and finger nail trauma (13.2%). Among open globe injury, trauma with needle, knife, glass and pen were common causes. Home was the most common place of injury (47.8%), followed by streets (17.9%) and playground (14.9%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Children are vulnerable to ocular trauma and need more supervision. Sharp objects like needles, knives, household chemicals like acids should be out of reach of children.</p>