Demographic characterization and pattern of injury in patients with ocular trauma at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, during the period 2017–2021

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Ocular trauma is an important and preventable cause of decreased vision or blindness. There are just a few studies in Colombia describing the prevalence of ocular trauma in the country. The characterization of these events may lead to the development of preventive strategies, effective treatment, and efficient allocation of economic resources. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. Results: Data from 1.373 patients who were evaluated by an ophthalmologist at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia, were collected. Most of the patients were men with a mean age of 36 years. The most prevalent context of trauma was domestic injuries; and the most frequent mechanism was blunt trauma with a classification of 5 on the ocular trauma score. Discussion: The collected data showed similar results compared to the literature. The prevalence of ocular trauma is higher in men in all the scenarios. On the other hand, it is of extreme concern the lack of consciousness as to why use of ocular protection is key.