STUDY OF OCULAR INJURIES IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PATIENTS.

Corresponding Author:
Elangovan Marudhamuthu,
Professor, Department of Ophthalmology,
Government Dharmapuri Medical College and Hospital,
Dharmapuri-636701. Tamilnadu, India.
E-mail: malarelangovan80@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study is to analyse the ocular manifestations in Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) and to find the incidence of ocular injury in RTA and causes of decreased vision related to RTA. The study was conducted in Government. Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu. Patients referred from Trauma/Surgical wards to Ophthalmic outpatient department and patients examined in Trauma Ward for Ophthalmology opinion in RTA injuries were analysed.

Aim- The aim of the study is to find out the ocular findings in Road Traffic Accident patients and analyse the impact of RTA in ocular morbidity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ocular and periocular injuries underwent complete ocular examination including visual acuity, anterior segment examination by torch light to access pupillary action, slit-lamp examination and posterior segment examination by 78 D Lens or Indirect ophthalmoscope using 20 D lens. Patients with suspected posterior globe rupture underwent USG B-Scan and CT Orbit.

RESULTS

In the study, Males (85.33%) had more injuries when compared to Females (14.67%). Persons driving two wheelers (87.33%) were more prone to ocular injuries when compared to pedestrians and persons travelling in auto and four wheelers. Driving without helmets (92%) and driving under the influence of alcohol (78%) were found to be common in ocular injuries. Closed globe injury (95.34%) was more common than open globe injury. Common causes for decreased vision associated with ocular injuries are Traumatic optic neuropathy, Ruptured Globe, Commotio Retinae, Corneal laceration, Hyphaema, Iridocyclitis, Lens injury and Vitreous Haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Ocular trauma is a major cause of preventable monocular blindness and visual impairment in the world. It is the cause of blindness or partial loss of vision in more than half a million people worldwide. Almost 75% of people with trauma become blind (monocular).Blindness results from Phthisis bulbi, Corneal scars, Hyphaema, Cataract, Retinal detachment, Macular scar and Optic neuropathy. The fact that appropriate treatment in a tertiary care centre did not significantly influence the final visual outcome makes it imperative that preventive eye care programs for the travelling population is of utmost priority. Public health education aimed at increasing awareness in the travelling public especially for vulnerable groups and stopping drunken driving is urgently needed in order to reduce ocular morbidity due to ocular trauma.⁽¹⁾

KEYWORDS

Road Traffic Accidents, Ocular and Periocular Injuries, Visual Acuity.