Blunt Ocular Trauma Commonly Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Case Series from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Banaskantha, Gujarat, India

Blunt ocular trauma is a leading cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment. Blunt ocular trauma is also involved with trauma to other parts of the body. Head injury is commonly accompanied with blunt ocular trauma. Common causes of blunt ocular trauma are road traffic accidents, assault, alcohol-related incidents and workplace injuries. This case series includes some common ocular manifestations of blunt ocular trauma, like lid oedema, periorbital ecchymosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage and chemosis, that commonly present to the emergency department along with trauma to other parts of the body. Common presenting symptoms include pain, loss of vision, blurring of vision, redness, increased watering, swelling around the eye and bleeding. This case series mainly deals with anterior segment manifestations of blunt ocular trauma that are frequent in the emergency department. Ocular trauma can significantly affect the future quality of life. Ocular trauma is a preventable public health problem worldwide. Preventive measures should be taken by the government to educate people regarding safety precautions in the workplace, better vehicular safety measures and prevention of blunt ocular trauma. Community education is an essential part in prevention. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention can help prevent visual impairment.