title: Epidemiology and socioeconomics.
abstract: Ophthalmologists should be responsible for a systemic collection of standardized data on the occurrence of eye injuries. Such a database is the key for designing prophylactic measures to successfully prevent ocular trauma. The USEIR model, whether reporting takes place over the Internet [www.USEIRonline.org www.WEIRonline.org (worldwide)] or on paper, has proved to be an efficient epidemiological tool. Use of this model in different countries has allowed making unbiased comparisons between regions or countries, highlighting injury patterns that may be different in different geographical areas, and pinpointing areas where prophylaxis (through legislation and public campaigns) appears most effective. Participation of all ophthalmologists who evaluate/treat patients with serious eye trauma is strongly encouraged.
authors.affiliation: United States Eye Injury Registry, Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. fkuhn@mindspring.com
authors.forename: Ferenc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kuhn
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Viktória
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mester
authors.forename: C Douglas
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Witherspoon
authors.forename: LoRetta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maisiak
mesh_terms: D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D012042:Registries; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology