Banger-Related Ocular Injuries During New Year Festivities in Osogbo, SW Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Different types of ocular injuries could be sustained following banger explosives. This case report could be the first of such reports in West Africa. CASE DETAILS: We report cases of ocular injuries caused by bangers. This was a hospital-based study of 3 consecutive cases that presented during the New Year festival. Injuries were classified according to Birmingham eye trauma terminology system (BETTS). Two of the patients ended up with irreversible loss of vision. Another two of the three were bystanders. CONCLUSION: As banger-related ocular injuries result in significant morbidity, public education regarding the proper use of bangers would help in preventing the incidence of ocular injuries and blindness. Advocacy for a strict legislation to regulate its use is strongly recommended.