RESUMEN
Ocular emergency is one of the most common problems in the Emergency Department [ED], but a general survey of ocular emergencies has rarely been reported in the literature. This study reviews cases of ocular emergencies presented to the ED of Khatam Hospital [Mashhad] over a 6-months period. A retrospective analysis was done on patients who presented with eye complaints to the ED of Khatam Hospital-Mashhad between March 2007 and August 2007. Ocular diagnoses and hospitalizations due to ocular emergencies in addition to their associated variables were collected and assessed separately. 28,312 patients presented to the ED during the period with eye complaints. The most frequent diagnoses in newly presented patients were grouped as trauma [61%] and inflammatory disorders [22%]. A male to female ratio of about 2.5:1 was assessed. Both genders had the peak age in the third decade. There was a trend toward increased numbers in late spring and early summer. There were a total of 431 cases of hospitalization [1.5% of all presented patients] most of them due to traumatic consequences notably globe rupture [38% of all hospitalizations]. Ocular occupational casualties estimated to be responsible for 43% of all traumatic injuries occurred between 20-59 years of age. Young males were found to run a higher risk of ocular accidents, especially at work. Individuals under 10 years of age estimated to be particularly at risk for severe ocular traumas e.g. eye penetration. Taking more care of these two specially at risk groups and directing protectional educations and preprations towards their work and play could be suggested