A retrospective analysis of eye injuries in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Purpose:  To provide epidemiological data on ocular injuries among patients utilising two provincial hospital eye care clinics in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: Record cards of 440 ocular injured patients seen at two selected rural provincial hospitals over a period of four years were reviewed.Results: More males (68.9%) had eye injuries than females (31.1%). The Black population (97.7%) had a higher prevalence of ocular injuries than other race groups. Young patients between 21 and 30 years old incurred more ocular injuries (31.4%) than other age groups.  Open globe injuries were more frequent (56.1%) than closed globe injuries (43.9%). Blunt trauma/contusion (36.4%) was the most frequent type of injury (36.4%). Solid objects (53.4%) were responsible for more than half of the injuries followed by assaults (28.2%).  The majority of the eye injuries (54.5%) occurred at home. There was a reduction in visual acuity of 37.7% of the subjects following treatment.Conclusion: Ocular trauma is a relatively common health problem in rural KwaZulu-Natal and is significantly more common among the male and Black population.  (S Afr Optom 2012 71(4) 159-165)