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Clinical analysis of firework-related ocular injuries during Spring Festival 2009

  • Trauma
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Abstract

Background

To document the clinical features, management and visual outcome of fireworks-related ocular injuries during the Spring Festival.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients with fireworks-related ocular injuries attending the Department of Ophthalmology in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 20 to February 10, 2009. Age, gender, laterality, type of fireworks, location of incident, initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), diagnosis, management, and final BCVA at last follow-up were documented. Relevant clinical features and visual outcome were evaluated.

Results

We observed 25 eyes in 24 patients. Injuries were more frequent in children (ten, 41.7%), males (19, 79.2%), and as open globe injury (15, 62.5%). The most common pyrotechnical products causing accidents were firecrackers (12, 50%). Rural residents had significantly higher rates of injury compared to urban residents (P = 0.023). Of 25 eyes, the most common injuries were corneal/scleral/corneoscleral open globe trauma (15, 60%), traumatic cataract (14, 56%), vitreous hemorrhage (seven, 28%) and retinal detachment (seven, 28%). Most eyes (23, 92%) received surgical intervention, including one (4%) eye enucleation. Vitrectomy was the most surgical treatment. After management, visual outcomes showed statistically significant improvement (P = 0.008). Initial BCVA correlated strongly with final BCVA (P = 0.010).

Conclusion

Fireworks-related ocular injuries occur mainly in children, males and rural settings, are frequently severe and visually devastating. Therefore, preventive measures should be strengthened, including public education and legal restriction on the sale and use of fireworks.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Yu Jian-Xiong, M.D. (Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University) with regard to statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jie Fang Road # 238, Wuhan, 430072, China

    Yuan Jing, Xing Yi-qiao, Yang Yan-ning, Ai Ming, Yang An-huai & Zhou Lian-hong

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  1. Yuan Jing
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  2. Xing Yi-qiao
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  3. Yang Yan-ning
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  4. Ai Ming
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  5. Yang An-huai
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  6. Zhou Lian-hong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yuan Jing.

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Jing, Y., Yi-qiao, X., Yan-ning, Y. et al. Clinical analysis of firework-related ocular injuries during Spring Festival 2009. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 248, 333–338 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-009-1292-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-009-1292-2

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