Lawnmower-Related Eye Injuries in the U.S., 2004 to 2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine the epidemiology, mechanisms, and trends of lawnmower-related eye injuries in the U.S., focusing on national estimates, injury types, and high-risk populations. Design: A retrospective trend study. Participants: Individuals presenting to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) emergency departments. Methods: Lawnmower-related eye injuries from 2004 to 2023 were identified using the NEISS. The database narratives were coded to classify the mechanism of injury and other variables. Periorbital injuries were not included. Descriptive and comparative analyses (chi-square and Fisher's exact test) were performed of national estimates derived using statistical weights. Main Outcome Measures: Injury mechanisms, demographics, diagnoses, and trends over time. Results: An estimated 120,613 lawnmower-related eye injuries occurred in the U.S. from 2004 to 2023 (N = 2467 NEISS cases). Those injured were 82% males, 95% adults, and 82% non-Hispanic Whites. Ninety-nine percent of injuries occurred at home. Most injuries (77%) were from projectiles (predominately grass, dirt, and rocks), 12% nonprojectile injuries during mowing, 8% maintenance/repair-related, and 2% from chemical exposures (primarily gasoline). Common diagnoses included eye abrasions/contusions (55%) and foreign bodies (27%). Severe injuries included retinal detachment, iris sphincter tear, corneal erosion, lens dislocation, and open globes. Only 2% of projectile injuries were documented in narratives as using eye protection, including eyeglasses. The average annual estimate for lawnmower-related eye injuries was 33% lower when comparing 2018-2023 to 2004-2017 (4502 vs 6686, P <18 yrs (26%) and adults >65 yrs (23%), P <18 years were a higher proportion of bystander (50%) vs operator (5%) injuries, P