Eve injuries in patients with major trauma

Background: A study was performed to determine the type and frequency of oc ular injuries in patients with major trauma. Methods: All patients with ocular and adnexal injuries (n = 178) among 1,11 9 patients admitted with major trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15) to the R oyal Prince Alfred Hospital from July 1990 to December 1997 were analyzed. Results: Sixteen percent of the major trauma cohort had ocular or orbital t rauma. Fifty-five percent of patients with injuries involving the face had ocular or orbital injuries. A range of ocular injuries was seen. Analysis o f the major trauma cohort showed that motor vehicle drivers, orbital and ba se of skull fractures, eyelid lacerations, and superficial eye injuries wer e strongly associated with vision-threatening injury. Conclusion: Patients with major trauma and facial injuries have a high risk of vision-threatening injury. Patients with orbital fractures, base of sku ll fracture, eyelid lacerations, and superficial eye injuries should be ass essed by an ophthalmologist as part of the early management of their trauma to determine whether an ocular injury is present.