No abstract

Introduction: ocular trauma is an important cause of preventable ocular morbidity and blindness in addition to socioeconomic and psychological ramifications.The spectrum of ocular trauma ranges from minor injuries to very severe sight threatening injuries. Trauma is inevitable in war zone and routine army exercises.There are very few studies establishing relationship between occupation and ocular trauma in armed forces. This study was conducted to provide us with epidemiological data on ocular trauma cases in a mid-zonal hospital of armed forces in north-east region of India. Aim: to analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with ocular trauma among the soldiers of armed forces deployed in north eastern zone.Materials and Methods: a prospective study was carried on 210 eyes of 200 patients of ocular trauma, presenting to emergency department and outpatient department in a mid-zonal hospital located at Dimapur, Nagaland, during twenty four months period. All demographic data, mode of injury along with complete ophthalmic workup was recorded. Classification system of Birmingham eye trauma terminology system was followed and ocular trauma score was calculated. Results:The best corrected visual acuity at the time of presentation was 6/60 or better among 65%, worse than 6/60 were 25% and 10% were could not perceive light. In gender distribution male outnumbers females 69% and 31% respectively. Most of the cases were belonging to age groups of 30 years and younger 58%. In this study we found out that soldiers working in operations, training, sports and handling machineries (Outdoor) were more prone to trauma > 50% and soldiers of technical trade (Indoor) were least prone 5%. Among the children, school going population was more prone 16% and pre school was less prone being 8%.Adenexal injuries 35% were followed by contusions 25% and perforation being least 2%. Zone I 65% injuries out numbers the zone II and Zone III. Conclusion:our study shows that whenever zone III is involved, the prognosis always remains guarded.Trauma is inevitable in war scenario, and for those sustaining trauma, multisurgeon intervention is needed. Wearing protective polycarbonate eye wear will minimize work related and sports related injuries.