Pattern and Clinical Profile of Ocular Trauma at a Tertiary Eye Hospital in Bangladesh: A Prospective Observational Study
TL;DR
Ocular trauma in this setting involves severe mechanical injuries in young, productive males, and the critical lack of acompliance with protective eyewear usage underscores an urgent need for the enforcement of occupational safety regulations and public health education.
Abstract
Background: Ocular trauma is a leading cause of monocular vision loss and preventable blindness, particularly in developing nations. Globally, approximately 1.6 million people are blind due to ocular injuries, with younger, economically active populations bearing a disproportionate burden. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the epidemiological patterns, clinical characteristics, and visual outcomes of ocular trauma at a specialized tertiary eye hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Vision Eye Institute and Hospital in Dhaka from January 2024 to December 2026. A cohort of 207 participants (215 eyes) was analyzed. Clinical severity was classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS). Visual outcomes were assessed using Snellen charts at presentation and three months post-intervention.Results: The study population was predominantly male, 168 (81.16%), with the 21–30 age group most affected, 68 (32.85%). Occupational accidents were the leading mode of injury 73 (35.27%), and the workplace was the most common site of trauma 61 (29.47%). Notably, 98.55% of patients reported not using protective eyewear at the time of injury. Open-globe injuries predominated, 131 (63.29%), with corneal lacerations 51 (24.64%) and subconjunctival hemorrhages 47 (22.71%) as the primary findings. At presentation, 21 (9.77%) of eyes had "Good Vision" (6/12 or better), which improved to 57 (26.51%) at follow-up. Blindness rates decreased from 41 (19.07%) to 29 (13.49%) over the study period.Conclusion: Ocular trauma in this setting involves severe mechanical injuries in young, productive males. The critical lack of acompliance with protective eyewear usage underscores an urgent need for the enforcement of occupational safety regulations and public health education. Specialized management significantly improves vision, but the persistence of blindness highlights the necessity for early presentation and aggressive prevention strategies. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 14(1), Jan 2026; p 10-18