Pattern of ocular trauma in Kuching, Malaysia

The objective of this study is to analyze the causes and characteristics of ocular injuries presenting to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Kuching. This is a prospective hospital-based study done for a period of 1 year.The setting is at the Department of Ophthalmology, Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. All ocular injury patients seen for the first time in the Eye Department during the period January 2006 to December 2006 were included in the study. Eye injury patients on follow-up and treated elsewhere were excluded. The results indicate that a total of 233 patients, and 257 eyes, were studied. Men had six-fold higher rates of injury than women. The average age of presentation was 30 years. The predominant age group was between 21-30 years, 26.2 % (n=61). Eye injuries related to work were seen in 36.9% of patients. There was a gross negligence in the use of personal protective devices in the work-related group. The common settings in which the injuries occurred included home 34.3% (n=80) and industrial premises 31.8% (n=74). Assault-related injuries 7.7% (n=18) were seen mostly among young men in the age between 20-30 years. The initial presenting visual acuity of the patients with blunt ocular trauma was better than penetrating injury. Ocular injuries were common in young males. Work related eye injuries were noted in a significant number of cases. Health education and preventive strategies both in the working place and at home will help to decrease the occurrence of ocular injuries