Penetrating eye injuries in rural New South Wales.

PURPOSE: To determine the epidemiology and outcomes of penetrating eye injuries in a rural Australian setting.

METHODS

A retrospective study of an 11 year period to identify 77 cases of penetrating eye injury in Lismore, New South Wales.

RESULTS

The commonest cause of penetrating eye injury was fencing wire followed by hammering metal. The average age was 32.6 years, and males were involved in 88% of cases. A final visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 61% of cases. Enucleation was performed in 14%. Visual outcome was best for wounds involving the cornea only.

CONCLUSIONS

Penetrating eye injuries are potentially devastating to vision, but with modern surgical techniques patients are likely to achieve reasonable vision. Prevention requires education to ensure adequate protective measures are taken in potentially hazardous settings.