Ocular injuries in all-terrain-vehicle accidents.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the occurrence and extent of ocular injuries in ATV accidents in southwestern Pennsylvania.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of 37 adults and 43 children at UPMC Mercy Hospital, UMPC Presbyterian Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Trauma Registry. The Trauma Registry was searched for patients sustaining ocular injuries related to an ATV accident. Records were de-identified by an honest broker and analysed in this study.

RESULTS

Eighty percent (80%) of patients suffered orbital fracture; 40% had periorbital ecchymoses, and 25% had lid lacerations. Injuries ranged in severity from subconjunctival haemorrhages to traumatic avulsion of the optic nerves.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular trauma frequently accompanies ATV accidents and can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. An educational programme (except 'program' in computers) promoting eye protection could reduce the number of eye injuries associated with these recreational vehicles.