Prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban south-east Asian population: the Singapore Malay Eye Study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban Asian population.

Methods: A population-based survey of 3280 (78.7% response rate) Malay people aged 40-80 years residing in Singapore was conducted in 2004-2006. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to ascertain a history of ocular trauma, defined as any eye injury requiring medical attention from a doctor.

Results: Of the 3264 participants, 149 (5.0%, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.1-6.0%) reported a history of ocular trauma. Of those, 30.2% had trauma from a blunt object, 33.6% from a sharp object, and 22.1% from chemical burns. After adjusting for age and sex, men had a higher prevalence of ocular trauma than women (8.3% vs. 2.1%, age-adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.7, CI 3.1-7.1), and younger persons had a higher risk of ocular trauma (per year increase in age, OR 0.98, CI 0.96-0.99). Consumption of alcohol was associated with higher likelihood of having ocular injury (OR 4.3, CI 2.2-8.4).

Conclusions: One in 20 persons in this urban south-east Asian population had a history of ocular trauma. Younger persons, men and consumption of alcohol were risk factors for ocular trauma.