Clinical Characteristics and Visual Outcomes of Ocular Trauma in Rural Southeast Iran
Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences,
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2024),
12 July 2024,
Page 1-6
https://doi.org/10.22037/joos.v8i3.48090
Purpose: To classify ocular trauma in a rural region of southeast Iran, evaluate its impact on vision, and assess post-treatment visual outcomes.
Patients and Methods: The study was a hospital-based, prospective, observational study conducted over a one-year period including patients presenting with ocular trauma from rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province located in southeastern Iran. A total of 50 patients with ocular trauma were included. A detailed ocular history was obtained, followed by a comprehensive ophthalmic examination for each patient. Follow-up visits were scheduled one week after discharge, and subsequently at four weeks eight weeks and twelve weeks.
Results: Ocular injuries were more commonly seen in adults who were engaged in agricultural work. Males were more frequently affected (74 %). Closed-globe injuries (72 %) were more common than open-globe injuries (28 %). In both open- and closed-globe injuries, the most common object causing injury was a wooden stick. At presentation, only 29.2 % of patients had a visual acuity better than 1/10. However, after completing treatment and at the 3-month follow-up, 71.3 % had a best-corrected visual acuity better than 1/10.
Conclusion: Ocular trauma remains a major public health concern in rural areas, particularly among adult males involved in agricultural activities. Closed-globe injuries were more common than open-globe injuries, with wooden sticks identified as the primary cause of trauma. Further multi-center studies across multiple rural hospitals in Iran could provide a broader epidemiological picture of ocular trauma and its impact in these areas.