Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the Indigenous versus non-Indigenous population in the Top End

Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the Indigenous versus non-Indigenous population in the Top End Journal Article

Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

  • Author(s): Kennedy, Morgan S, Robinson, James, Whist, Eline, McCallum, Gabrielle B, Mahendrarajah, Tharmalingam
  • Published: 2018

Abstract: Importance Epidemiological data on visually significant ocular trauma in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Background Our main objective is to determine whether Indigenous patients are disproportionately affected by visually significant ocular trauma as compared to non-Indigenous patients. Design This was a retrospective audit at the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) in the Top End of the Northern Territory during January 2013 – June 2015. Participants 104 ocular trauma patients were included. 43 were Indigenous and 61 were non-Indigenous Methods Medical records of patients with ocular trauma between Jan 2013 – June 2015 (except simple, non-penetrating corneal foreign bodies and abrasions) were reviewed. Vision loss was defined by visual acuity: mild ≥6/18, moderate 6/18- 6/60, severe ≤6/60 following WHO standards. Main outcome measures Included the incidence of ocular trauma patients by ethnicity (Indigenous vs non-Indigenous). Our secondary outcome included vision loss, mechanism of injury, open vs closed injury, age, remoteness, and alcohol involvement Results 104 patient charts reviewed. 43 (41%) were Indigenous and 61 (59% were non-Indigenous). Alleged assault was the greatest contributor to ocular trauma in both groups (74% in Indigenous vs 39% non- Indigenous). Severe vision loss was more prevalent in the Indigenous vs non-Indigenous patients (30% vs 16%). Conclusion and Relevance Indigenous patients were disproportionately affected by visually significant ocular trauma compared to non-Indigenous patients. This research provides important data on ocular trauma in the Northern Territory. Further prevention strategies are needed to reduce vision loss in this population.

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Suggested Citation
Kennedy, Morgan S, Robinson, James, Whist, Eline, McCallum, Gabrielle B, Mahendrarajah, Tharmalingam, 2018, Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the Indigenous versus non-Indigenous population in the Top End, Journal Article, viewed 29 March 2024, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=13900.

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