Gender Wise Pattern of Ocular Trauma in a Rural Health Block: A 24 Months Retrospective Analysis

Background: Ocular trauma which is an avoidable cause of blindness is a common public health problem and more so in rural areas of developing countries. Purpose: To analyse the epidemiological pattern of ocular trauma in a rural area. Material and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively by analyzing the two years records of Ophthalmological OPD in a peripheral health institution of Jammu. The data was presented as proportions and test of significance applied was chi square test. Results: Majority of patients (38.10%) were found to be in the age group 31-40 years with a male to female ratio of 1.82:1. Results revealed that 40.88% of the patients had reported in less than 24 hours to the health institution and 52.14% of cases had adnexal injuries. Work related injuries were more common in males in comparison to female cases who reported more of home related injuries. Conclusion: Ocular trauma in normal population is more common in males and predominantly seen in economically productive age group. Common ocular trauma found were adnexal injuries and contusions. People in rural areas should be made aware of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in case of ocular trauma so as to reduce chances of ocular morbidity and blindness.