Consumer product-related eye injury in the United States, 1998-2002.
OBJECTIVE
Eye injury is currently a leading cause of visual impairment and monocular blindness in the United States. Information regarding consumer products associated with eye injuries can have important implications for the prevention of these injuries.


METHODS
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was used to describe the types of consumer products associated with emergency department treated eye injuries in the United States from 1998 through 2002.


RESULTS
The leading product type associated with eye injuries was welding equipment followed by household cleaners, basketball equipment, workshop equipment, and adhesives. Eye injuries attributed to hardware, tools, construction, sports, toys, and lawn equipment were more common among males. In females, eye injuries attributable to chemicals, housewares, storage and organization, and bed and bath items were more common. Differences were also apparent across the age spectrum.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified specific products and categories of products frequently associated with eye injury and prevention initiatives should focus on these items.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has identified consumer products associated with eye injuries requiring medical treatment in the United States. Manufacturers of these products could be encouraged to add or strengthen safety messages regarding the potential for eye injury.
McGwin
Gerald
G
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0009, USA. mcgwin@uab.edu
Hall
Tyler Andrew
TA
Seale
Jason
J
Xie
Aiyuan
A
Owsley
Cynthia
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology