The effect of frontal air bags on eye injury patterns in automobile crashes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate eye injuries resulting from frontal automobile crashes and to determine the effects of frontal air bags.


METHODS
The National Automotive Sampling System database files from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1999, were examined in a 3-part study that included an investigation of 22 236 individual crashes that occurred in the United States. A new 4-level eye injury severity scale that quantifies injuries based on recovery time, need for surgery, and possible loss of sight was developed.


RESULTS
Of all occupants who were exposed to an air bag deployment, 3% sustained an eye injury. In contrast, 2% of occupants not exposed to an air bag deployment sustained an eye injury. A closer examination of the type of eye injuries showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the risk of corneal abrasions for occupants who were exposed to an air bag compared with those who were not (P =.03). Of occupants exposed to an air bag deployment, 0.5% sustained a corneal abrasion compared with 0.04% of occupants who were not exposed to an air bag.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the new injury levels, it was shown that although occupants exposed to an air bag deployment had a higher risk of sustaining minor eye injuries, the air bag appears to have provided a beneficial exchange by reducing the number of severe eye injuries.
Duma
Stefan M
SM
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Impact Biomechanics Laboratory, 114 Randolph Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. duma@vy.edu
Jernigan
M Virginia
MV
Stitzel
Joel D
JD
Herring
Ian P
IP
Crowley
John S
JS
Brozoski
Fred T
FT
Bass
Cameron R
CR
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017278:Air Bags / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005139:Eyeglasses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006077:Government Agencies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology