Ocular trauma in Hong Kong: a prospective survey of 1799 patients

Abstract

Aim: To determine the incidence and nature of ocular trauma in Hong Kong.

Patients and methods: Patients with eye injuries presenting to the Ophthalmic Department of the Caritas Medical Centre from 1 January 2000 to 31 December, 2000. Age and sex, activity at the time of injury, place of injury, and identifiable objects causing injury were noted, as well as the use of eye protection, where appropriate, and the presence or absence of adult supervision in the case of injury to children.

Results: The workplace accounted for 62% of all injuries and work-related injury constituted the largest amount of severe ocular injury with visual impairment. Less than 7% of workers had been using proper eye protection at the time of injury. A disproportionately large amount of sight-threatening injuries also occurred at home. Children were particularly susceptible to eye injury, especially during unsupervised play and as a result of mishandling of household items. Thus, this study shows a large burden of potentially preventable eye trauma is borne by the young urban population.

Conclusion: Ocular trauma is an important cause of preventable visual morbidity, particularly among younger people who are at lower risk for chronic ocular diseases.