Cellphone-Associated Ocular Injuries Presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments

PURPOSE: To characterize national trends, mechanisms, and demographic patterns of cellphone-associated ocular injuries over 20 years using a nationally representative database. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, encompassing emergency department (ED) visits from approximately 100 nationally representative U.S. hospitals. Cellphone-associated eye injuries, which encompass cases of globe injury where cellphones or their accessories were involved, were identified and analyzed for patient demographics, clinical information, context of injury, and weighted national estimates. Temporal trends in ED visit rates were analyzed using joinpoint regression, and annual percent changes (APCs) quantified changes in ED visit rates. RESULTS: = 2,705, 95% CI, 1,641-3,770), with distraction-mediated activities (62.7%) being most common. CONCLUSIONS: Cellphone-associated ocular ED visits increased substantially from 2008 to 2015, while no statistically significant change was detected between 2015 and 2023. Direct mechanical trauma, broken screen glass, and distraction represent commonly identified mechanisms. Eye care professionals should counsel patients on responsible handling of phones and accessories, limiting phone use while walking or driving, replacement of broken screens, and the importance of prompt assessment after penetrating or significant ocular trauma.