Mardi Gras eye injury survey, 1998-1999.

BACKGROUND

We studied the nature of associated ocular trauma during the 1998 and 1999 New Orleans parade seasons and whether trends were observable from previous surveys.

METHODS

A prospective survey and retrospective analysis included 18 emergency rooms (ERs) in the New Orleans area.

RESULTS

Sixteen surveys representing eight ERs were completed between February 19 and 24, 1998, and 32 surveys representing five ERs were completed between February 5 and 17, 1999. In both years, the most common ocular complaints were pain, blur, foreign body sensation, tearing, and photophobia. The most common slit lamp findings in 1998 were within normal limits, corneal abrasion, and conjunctival hyperemia. In 1999, the most common findings were subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal abrasion, cell and flare, and lid laceration.

CONCLUSIONS

Projectile injuries of the eyes are common during Mardi Gras due to the nature of interaction between paradegoers and float riders. We found no identifiable trend in the number or type of injuries reported in 1986, 1987, and 1998 Mardi Gras surveys.