Vinay Kumar Dawson1, Manasvi Dawson2
BACKGROUND
Ocular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA) is one of the important causes
of ophthalmological morbidity and cause of unilateral blindness. Some of the
injuries also result in cosmetic disfigurement. Increased usage of vehicles for
transport in recent times has increased the incidence of cases. The primary
objective of this study was to understand the epidemiology and pattern of ocular
trauma in RTA cases and their visual outcome.
METHODS
A total of 75 cases was included in the study following the inclusion and exclusion
criteria. A detailed history was taken which included information regarding time,
location, type and mechanism of injury, use of spectacles, car safety belts, and
helmets. The time interval between injury and reporting was recorded. Test of
visual acuity was done, ophthalmic examination included the examination of all
patients with the slit lamp, 90 D examination, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were
done. Ultrasound B scan was done in cases where unclear media prevented fundus
examination.
RESULTS
Ecchymosis of the lids was the commonest type of ocular injury. Out of 15 eyelid
laceration cases, 10 cases were with mild partial-thickness tears present and 5 had
severe lid tears which required suturing. Most of the patients recovered with good
vision in 6 months post-treatment and a few fair results. Analysis of variance
(ANOVA) comparison between conservative management and surgical
management at the end of 4 months post treatment was done. The P-values were
> 0.05 hence, not significant. It indicated that the outcomes were independent of
the method of management adopted.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of RTAs is increasing due to an increase in the number of vehicles
used by the public. Ocular injuries are more often seen in young men especially
those driving two-wheelers without safety devices like helmets. Open globe
injuries and cases with previous ocular problems have poor outcomes.
