A Statistical Observation of the Ocular Injuries

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the regional characteristics and new currents of ocular injuries and use the results for the prevention and treatment of ocular injuries. METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed 1115 eyes of 1013 patients who visited Gachon medical center from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The incidence of ocular injuries, sex, age, monthly and seasonal distribution, causes, diagnosis, visual acuity and complications were reviewed statistically. RESULTS: The incidence of ocular injuries was 4.2%. The incidence was more common in males (75.8%) and in the 4th decade (22.2%). The patients who needed admission or surgery were 22.2%. Ocular injuries were more common in summer (28.5%) and less in winter (20.4%). The most common cause was industrial accidents (40.0%) and the second common cause was violence (30.9%). The most common injured site was the orbit (36.3%). Among the diagnoses of the inpatients, orbital wall fracture was most common (41.9%). The initial visual acuity was less than 0.1 for 14.2% of the eyes and the final acuity was less than 0.1 of the eyes for 5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: This survey gathered the regional characteristics and new currents of ocular injuries.