Eye trauma

Eye trauma is an important cause of monocular visual impairment and blindness that most commonly affects working age males.

Worldwide, an estimated 55 million people experience an eye injury each year, with 1.6 million developing blindness, 2.3 million developing bilateral low vision, and almost 19 million developing unilateral blindness or low vision.

Eye injuries may be due to mechanical trauma (blunt or penetrating), chemical agents, thermal burns, or exposure to ultraviolet or ionising radiation.

Seeking prompt medical attention after an eye injury is critical to prevent irreversible sequelae.

It is important to make the public aware of the benefits of using protective equipment because most eye injuries are preventable.

Practitioners should recognise ophthalmic emergencies that require immediate ophthalmology referral.

Refers to any injury to the eye. The injury may have been due to mechanical trauma (blunt or penetrating), chemical or thermal burns, or exposure to radiation (ultraviolet or ionising).