OPHTHALMOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS IN ELBISTAN REGION AFTER KAHRAMANMARAS EARTHQUAKE

The aim of this article was to determine the types of eye diseases and injuries sustained during the Kahramanmaraş-Elbistan earth quake on February 6, 2023. This was a hospital-based retrospective and descriptive research study of patients presenting to the Elbistan State Hospital after the earth quake. Patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for age, sex, and reason for hospitalization. Information on each patient's chief complaint, diagnosis, and glasses and contactlenses provided was also reviewed. Between February 6 and March 31 2023, there were 826 cases of earth quake victims with ophthalmological complaints who visited the Elbistan State Hospital. The mostcommon reason for admission was the need for glasses (475/826 [57.5%]). Patients frequently presented with redeye (346/826 [41.8%]). The most frequent ocular diagnosis was refractive disorder (442/826 [53.5%]). One of the most common diagnoses among people affected by the earth quake was conjunctivitis (251/826 [30.4%]). Immediate treatment of ocular trauma is critical for preventing blindness. This study was intended to determine the types of ocular injuries and provide data on earth quake-related ocular morbidity during the Kahramanmaraş - Elbistan earth quakes. Characterizing the burden of earth quake-related eye trauma will facilitate the planning of services in the event of a future earth quake in Turkey or in countries at similar risk of natural disasters.