Ocular dangers of fencing wire

Aims. To investigate the incidence and severity of penetrating eye injuries caused by fencing wire in the Waikato region. Methods. We reviewed the case notes for all penetrating eye injuries treate d at Waikato Hospital during the past six years. Parameters recorded were p atient age and sex, mechanism of injury, initial visual acuity, characteris tics of injury, surgery performed and final visual outcome. Results. The incidence of penetrating eye injuries in the Waikato region wa s 3.8 per 100 000 per year, based on an estimated catchment population of 3 50 000. We found fencing wire to be the third most common cause of penetrat ing eye injury, accounting for 8.8% of injuries, behind motor vehicle accid ents and hammering which accounted for 26.3% and 20.0% of injuries, respect ively. The fencing wire injuries involved men exclusively, with an average age of 41.7 years. Fencing wire injuries had worse presenting visual acuity than other injuries, involved the posterior segment of the eye more freque ntly and were more likely to develop bacterial endophthalmitis. They also u nderwent more surgical procedures and were more commonly associated with a poor visual outcome. Conclusions. Fencing wire is an important cause of visual loss in the Waika to region. We hope to raise awareness of its potential ocular dangers and t o promote the use of appropriate eye protection.