Ocular injuries in Africa

Abstract

Injuries to the eye can cause severe damage because of the delicate structure of ocular tissues. Such injuries may often cause impaired vision or sometimes total loss of vision, in addition to other incapacities. Traumatic blindness therefore assumes an unusual socio-economic dimension. In Africa, injuries have their own peculiarities regarding aetiology, severity and management. More than 80% of injuries occur in rural areas where the necessary services are generally unavailable. This paper surveys the types, occurrence and impact of ocular injuries and suggests how they should be treated.