Clinical Ophthalmology (Mar 2024)
Etiology and Characteristics of Patients Presenting with Eyelid Lacerations at a Level 1 Trauma Center
Abstract
Abdelhalim A Awidi,1 Jiawei Zhao,2 Ximin Li,1 Fatemeh Rajaii,1 Meleha Ahmad,3 Adrianna Jensen,4 Fasika A Woreta1 1Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Plastic Surgery Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; 3Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; 4Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Pacific Center for Oculofacial and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA, USACorrespondence: Fasika A Woreta, Ophthalmology Department, Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA, Tel +1 410 955 5650, Email [email protected]: To investigate the etiology and demographic associations of patients presenting with eyelid lacerations to a US level 1 trauma center emergency department (ED).Patient and Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with eyelid lacerations presenting to the ED at a single level 1 trauma center was performed. Eyelid lacerations were categorized as simple eyelid lacerations, eyelid lacerations with eyelid margin involvement, and eyelid lacerations with nasolacrimal system involvement. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics were analyzed.Results: A total of 303 eyelid laceration cases were identified, 56% were simple eyelid lacerations, followed by 24% with nasolacrimal involvement and 20% involving the eyelid margin. Sixty percent of animal bites/scratches resulted in a nasolacrimal system involving laceration, most commonly affecting children. Falls were the most common etiology in children and patients over the age of 60. Black patients, patients presenting with concomitant ophthalmic injuries, and those with Medicaid insurance were more likely to have an assault etiology (p < 0.05 for all).Conclusion: Falls were the most common etiology for eyelid lacerations in children and the elderly, while assault was the most common in adults. Identifying the most common etiology by demographic factors can help raise awareness regarding targeted prevention strategies for high-risk populations.Keywords: eyelid lacerations, ocular trauma, eye injury, emergency department
