Changes in the epidemiology of ruptured globe eye injuries due to societal changes.
We studied 208 records of patients, who had undergone primary repair of a ruptured globe. A comparison of the periods 1987-1989 and 1993-1995 suggests epidemiological changes as a result of broad changes in occupational and social conditions after the German reunification in 1989. The rate of ruptured globe injuries caused by occupational accidents decreased from 38.8% in the first period to 31.4% in the second. We found an increase in comparable eye injuries as a consequence of leisure activities. Within the years from 1993 to 1995, in occupational accidents, we found a significant decrease in eye injuries in industry while accidents in small companies (e.g. garages, builders and constructors) increased significantly compared to 1987-1989.
Pump-Schmidt
C
C
Department of Ophthalmology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
Behrens-Baumann
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W
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012922:Social Change