A study on penetrating injuries of the eye in government general hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Ocular trauma is a major cause of visual impairment in all parts of the world. In India the incidence varies between 5% and 10% where as it is 10% to 15% in western world. Eyeball penetration is effected by wide range of objects, Work related injuries; in rural sector penetrating injuries from vegetative materials is common. Rapid advancement in ophthalmic micro surgical techniques and instrumentation has altered management profile and outcome of penetrating injuries Materials and Methods: The present study comprises 72 cases of penetrating eye injury patients attending Government General Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh during last three years. Results: In the present study males (68%) are double the time more vulnerable to sustain injuries than females (32%). Non occupational injuries (70.83%) are above 2.5 times more common when compared to occupational injuries (29.17%). Commonest object involved in causing penetrating injuries is stone (22.22%) Most common ocular structure involved is cornea (66.67%), followed by Iris (33.33%); Conclusions: In conclusion the incidence of eye trauma is fairly frequent in this region and constitutes a major health problem. Efforts to prevent ocular injury should particularly be directed towards improving safety measures at work places, Improvement in the domestic habits such as chopping and gathering wood, agricultural work would prevent farm related injuries. The importance of seeking professional medical help soon after injury and the danger in delaying treatment should be stressed.