Anitha S1, Anulekshmy C. G2
BACKGROUND
The history of ocular injuries began when primitive men fought with another, hunted their prey for food or first chipped a stone to make his primitive tool. However, in modern times, the scenario has been widened to include occupational, industrial, domestic accidents, as also vehicular accident. The ever increasing number of vehicles on road has ensured that injuries due to the latter cause is on the rise. Eye injuries often resulting in some visual loss, create economic loss both to victim and society. Although, RTA is not the major cause of ocular injuries. Many such injuries that do occur are preventable by the use of safety measures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Prospective case series of 235 patients who sustained road traffic accidents and admitted in medical college, Trivandrum, were followed up for one year to assess the clinical pattern of ophthalmic injuries and the change in visual outcome.
RESULTS
The commonest group were young males in 31 to 40 years riding two wheelers. A significant number of them were not using helmets. Most RTA occurred at night when wakefulness is less and alcohol abuse is more. Periorbital oedema and subconjunctival haemorrhage was the commonest finding either as isolated or associated with severe ocular injuries. Lid lacerations in 17 eyes, corneal full thickness wound with iris prolapse in 6 eyes, lenticular involvement in 25 eyes and hyphaema in 16 eyes were the significant anterior segment presentations. 53 eyes had posterior segment involvement in the form of vitreous haemorrhage, traumatic optic neuropathy (6), Berlin oedema (14), retinal detachment (5), choroidal rupture (6), orbital and midfacial fracture were seen in 30 eyes with orbital floor fracture being the commonest.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of RTA is on the rise. The higher incidence of trauma in men is due to the fact that they are more exposed to two wheeler use, highway traffic, night traffic and use of alcohol. Strict adherence to traffic rules, better road conditions and use of public transport systems to reduce the traffic helps in preventing accidents. Use of first aids and tertiary centres to treat accidents primarily and message of early treatment leading to better outcome should be spread among public.
KEYWORDS
Road Traffic Accidents, Fracture, Visual Outcome, Trauma.
