Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the rural population of Northern India

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Original Article

Author Details : Meenu Babber, Namrata Patel, Reena Sharma, Namita Sharma, Sonali Singh

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 296 -298

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Abstract

Objective: To discover the epidemiology of ocular trauma and its effect on visual impairment and blindness in a rural population of northern India.
Methods: It is a population-based cross-sectional study. We surveyed 1024 people who visited the out patient department of U.P.U.M.S. Saifai during the study period from January 2017- June 2017. 100 cases of the ocular trauma of all age group, due to various causes enrolled in the study. All cases went through a rational interview and comprehensive examination of anterior and posterior segments of the eye.  
Results: We obtained a history of ocular trauma from 100 (9.7%) persons in which 6 persons were with bilateral involvement. Mean age of the persons was 27.1 years including 82% males. A significant association was recorded between gender and ocular trauma (p=0.0001) although relation of the age at trauma with gender was not statistically significant (P = 1.0). Blunt trauma is the most common mode of ocular injury involving 94% persons. Poor visual acuity was noted with penetrating injuries as compared to blunt injuries. The Most common setting of ocular trauma was agricultural work (48%). Blindness was significantly correlated with the site of ocular trauma (P = 0.02).   
Conclusion: The magnitude of visual impairment and blindness due to trauma is considerably high, therefore to reduce the burden, educational programmes with the focus on providing at least appropriate first aid care should be implemented to increase awareness regarding eye health in the rural population.  

Keywords: Blindness, Epidemiology, Ocular trauma, Rural.

 

How to cite : Babber M, Patel N, Sharma R, Sharma N, Singh S, Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the rural population of Northern India. IP Int J Ocul Oncol Oculoplasty 2017;3(4):296 -298

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