Ocular sequelae of electrical Injuries: A 10-Year retrospective review at a Level 1 trauma and burn Center in the United States

• Ocular injury occurred in 34.4% of patients receiving eye consultation. • Anterior segment injuries like conjunctivitis were the most common findings. • No vision-threatening posterior segment injuries were identified in the cohort. • Head and neck involvement increased ocular injury risk more than tenfold. • Most patients retained excellent visual acuity at final follow-up evaluation. To characterize the ophthalmologic manifestations of electrical burns in patients treated at a Level 1 trauma and burn center in the United States over a 10-year period. This retrospective cohort study included 370 patients with electrical injuries treated at the University of North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center from 2014 to 2024. Of these, 96 (26.0%) received ophthalmology consultations. Demographic, injury-specific, and ophthalmologic data were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ocular involvement. Among the 96 patients who received ophthalmology consultation, 33 (34.4%) exhibited ocular findings. The most common were conjunctivitis (45.5%) and corneal epithelial defects (27.3%). No cataracts, macular pathology, or retinal detachments were observed. Head and neck involvement was significantly associated with ocular findings (OR 10.34, p < 0.001). Visual acuity was preserved in the majority of patients, with 55.2% achieving 20/20 vision at initial exam and no clinically significant vision loss at follow-up. Ocular injuries from electrical burns were relatively uncommon and predominantly mild. Patients with head, neck, or periocular involvement are at increased risk and should undergo prompt ophthalmologic evaluation. Routine inpatient consultation may not be necessary in the absence of these risk factors.