Characteristics of open-globe injuries in northwestern Portugal.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to characterize epidemiologically open-globe injuries and patterns of posttraumatic endophthalmitis in northwestern Portugal.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 163 inpatients with a diagnosis of traumatic open-globe injury treated at the ophthalmology department of the hospital S. João was performed.


RESULTS
No cases were reported in patients wearing proper eye protection. Of the 163 eyes, 76.0% were from male patients. The mean age of the males was significantly lower than that of the females (35.6 vs. 56.0 years; p < 0.001), and 57.1% of the cases resulted from personal accidents. The prevalence of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) was 29.6%; IOFBs are more frequent at work (50%) and with metallic objects (50%). The endophthalmitis incidence was 5.7% with a trend for a higher risk with IOFBs. Laceration due to plants increased this risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Personal accidents are the most important cause of open-globe injuries. Special relevance should be given to prevention with appropriate eyewear in home chores. Work-related trauma is more associated with IOFB; imaging is fundamental in emergency department evaluation.
Falcão
Manuel
M
Ophthalmology Department, Hospital S. João, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. falcao@med.up.pt
Camisa
Elisa
E
Falcão-Reis
Fernando
F
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000453:epidemiology; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D022125:Lacerations / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution