Pattern of posterior segment injuries after ocular trauma at the vitreoretinal unit at Kikuyu Eye Unit, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Ocular trauma is a significant cause of monocular blindness worldwide. Eye injuries involving the posterior segment have been a matter of concern particularly due to the related poor visual outcome. These injuries require specialised intervention and follow up care to achieve best possible visual outcome.
Objective: This study aimed to give baseline information on pattern of posterior segment eye injuries in the East Africa
set up.
Design: Retrospective case series of eye injuries involving posterior segment treated at Kikuyu Eye Unit, a tertiary referral eye hospital in Kenya between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2014.
Results: One hundred and six eyes of 102 patients were reviewed, including 25 children. Seventy three patients (71.6%) were male and majority were in the 31-40 years age group. The most known circumstance of injury was road traffic accident in 9 (8.8%) patients. Metal was the most common agent causing these injuries in 15 (14.7%) eyes. Seventy nine eyes (74.5%) had closed globe injuries. Retinal detachment and vitreous haemorrhage were the most common findings, at 49 (46.2%) and 47 (44.3%) eyes respectively. Eighty nine eyes (84.0%) were blind at initial review with presenting
vision acuity <3/60.
Conclusion: Ocular injuries involving the posterior segment were most common in young males. Closed globe injuries were the most common type of injuries (75%). Most eyes were blind at presentation indicating the severity of these injuries and need for specialised intervention.