[Firework-related eye trauma from 2005 to 2013]

Abstract

Purpose: Fireworks combusted during New Year's Eve festivities can cause different eye traumas which often need complex reconstructive surgery. It was our aim to systematically analyse these eye trauma cases which were treated at our clinic during the last eight years.

Materials and methods: Age, gender, side, trauma mechanism, treatment methods and outcome were analysed for all eye trauma cases caused by fireworks during the New Year's Eve celebrations from 2006 to 2013. For statistical analysis all trauma cases were divided into two groups of major and non-major eye trauma.

Results: The total number of patients treated was 122 (28 women, 94 men, mean age 26.2±13.0 years) with 137 traumatised eyes (77 right, 60 left). 24.6% of patients were ≤18 years of age. 76.2% were bystanders. 50 eyes from 46 patients (37.7%) suffered from major eye trauma. 26 patients (21.3%) were hospitalised. 8 eyes (5.8%) suffered from a penetrating injury or globe rupture and underwent primary reconstructive surgery. Further 16 eyes (11.7%) suffered from major eye trauma without open globe injury. In the aftermath 11 eyes (8.0%) went blind (visual acuity<1/50). Gender, side and role of the patient were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean age was significantly higher in the major eye trauma group (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Young male bystanders have a high risk for suffering from eye trauma caused by fireworks. However older patients suffer from major eye trauma more often. More education and prophylaxis of eye trauma caused by fireworks is desirable.