Article
Ocular injuries caused by firework – a national survey by the german retina.net
Authors
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Hansjürgen Agostini für Retina.net
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Freiburg i. Br.
| Published: | May 30, 2012 |
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Outline
Text
Background: Anecdotal reports about ocular injuries caused by firework triggered a survey by the german retina.net among University Eye Hospitals to check the hypothesis that the incidence of firework induced ocular injuries increased over the last three years.
Methods: Supported by the ZKS Köln a register was sent by e-mail to put down the number of patients with facial burns, injuries of the lid (requiring surgery), ocular contusion, rupture of the eyeball, hospital admission and surgery caused by firework in the transition of the old to the new year starting 2009.
Results: Results are based on answers from from the Universities of Leipzig, Berlin-Benjamin Franklin, Bonn, Freiburg, Regensburg, München, Jena, Düsseldorf, Erlangen, Lübeck, Berlin-Virchow and Köln which equals a return rate of 32%. Compared to 2009/2010 the incidence doubled in 2011 for facial burns, ocular contusion and hospital admission. There were regional differences. Particularly affected were the cities od Berlin, München, Freiburg, Regensburg, Lübeck and Köln.
Conclusions: Retina.net is a suitable forum to launch a survey on a short time base. To improve the return rate dedicated contacts at each institution could be helpful. With regard to firework induced injuries, an increasing tendency can be noted over the last three years. Based on the admission rate it can be assumed that the severity of injuries increased.
