Abstract

Objective: To assess the pattern and aetiological factors for penetrating ocular injuries in a tertiary health facility. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of all the cases records of penetrating eye injuries presenting to our eye unit over a period of 6 years. Results: There were 153 cases including 125 (81.7%) males 28 (18.3%) females with age range between 3 months and 85 years. Penetrating eye injury was common in children 0-16 years (42.5%) followed by adults’ ≤ 30 years (41.6%). The commonest cause of penetrating ocular injuries was stick/wood (41.2%). Injuries mostly occurred at home (65.4%). Right eye only was involved in 58.2% and both eyes were affected in 2%. Overall visual outcome at last hospital visit showed 14% attained VA of 6/12 or better and 50% had visual acuities worse than 6/60. Poor visual outcome was associated with poor initial visual acuity (p=0.000). Conclusion: Injuries occurred more frequently on weekdays (81%) than weekends. Following the ocular surgery, 3 patients developed endophthalmitis and 10 developed phthisis bulbi. Penetrating eye injury occurs mostly at home and mostly from stick/wood. Prevention of penetrating eye injuries requires parents, caregiver and children education on the danger of penetrating eye injury and improvement in home safety measure.