European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: Clinical profile of ocular injuries following road traffic accidents.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India. Visual acuity at the time of presentation was recorded using Snellen’s chart. Pupillary reaction, presence or absence of RAPD was noted. Patients who required surgical intervention were admitted and surgery performed after obtaining informed consent. Visual acuity was recorded after the surgery. All these data were tabulated and analysed.
Results: Ecchymosis was the commonest type of ocular injury which was seen in 49% of the patients. Out of 24% patients who had posterior segment involvement,   27%  patients   had   vitreous   haemorrhage. Traumatic optic nerve injury was seen in 16 patients. Eyelid ecchymosis was seen in 49% of patients making it the most common ocular presentation. Lid tear was seen in 28% of cases whereas 5% had lid tear with tissue loss. 2% showed canalicular tear. Orbital fractures were seen in 10% of the cases. 20% had extraocular injuries. Majority of the patients were managed conservatively. Only 36% patients required surgical intervention. Lid repair, canalicular tear repair, corneal tear repair, scleral tear repair, cataract surgery, intravitreal antibiotics, retinal detachment surgery were the various surgical procedures performed. In case of traumatic optic neuropathy intravenous methyl prednisolone was given. Visual acuity was assessed after the surgery. 48% show ed improvement in visual acuity, 36% had no change whereas 16% showed deterioration in visual acuity in the immediate postoperative period. 5% of the patients were totally blind.
Conclusion: It is a preventable public health problem. Henceforth ocular injuries as and when they occur have to be tackled efficiently and methodically.