Frequency and consequences of ocular trauma. A population perspective

Epidemiologic studies of ocular injuries have established the magnitude and severity of the problem in a variety of settings in North America and in other selected countries in Europe and Asia. There are dramatic differences in risk of ocular trauma with age, including important peaks in young adulthood and again among those 70 years of age or older. Men have been shown to have a significantly higher risk than women, especially in the younger age groups. Causes of severe ocular injuries range from motor vehicle crashes to assault to contact-lens-induced corneal ulceration. The limited information available on the social and economic consequences of ocular trauma suggests that significant financial and social resources are spent on medical care rehabilitation.