Wooden projectile caused eye injuries in Finland – Helsinki eye trauma study

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) England), 2016-10, Vol.94 (S256), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Haavisto, A.K., Sahraravand, A., Leivo, T., Holopainen, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acuity; Children; Epidemiology; Eye; Eye injuries; Eye protection; Forestry; Gardening; Injuries; Ophthalmology; Personal protective equipment; Trauma; Visual acuity; Wounds
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0625

Purpose To report the current population‐based epidemiology, treatment, use of resources and outcomes of eye injuries caused by sticks, branches and other wooden projectiles in Finland. Methods The study included all new patients injured by sticks, branches and other wooden projectiles with ocular or orbital traumas taken into care to the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (population base 1.5 million people) in one year. The follow‐up period was three months. Results Sixty‐seven patients with male dominance (76%) were treated because of eye injury from wooden projectiles, compromising 6% of all new eye traumas treated in a one year period. Injury was most likely in spring (36%) and autumn (27%) and at the age of 51–57 years. The most common activity during the accident was playing (27%), forestry (16%) and gardening (15%) and most common diagnose after mild superficial trauma (n = 36, 54%) was contusion (n = 25, 37%), followed by eye lid wound (3), orbital fracture (2) and open globe trauma (1). Seven patients (10%) were estimated to have permanent disability because of lowered visual acuity (3), double vision (2), evisceration (1) and glare due to mydriasis (1), all being adults. Traumas were contusions and one orbital fracture and one open globe trauma caused in variable activities. Twenty five patients (37%) were estimated to need lifelong follow‐up, most (24) because of contusion and one because of open globe trauma. Five of these patients were children age 3–11 years. Most took place during playing (7) or forestry (4). Eleven patients needed major surgeries. The number of outpatient visits was 167 and inpatient days 30. Conclusions Wooden projectiles cause serious eye injuries, permanent disability and need for lifelong follow‐up. More precaution should attend for eye protection when playing with sticks and during forestry and gardening.