Epidemiology
- Incidence: 170.00 cases per 100,000 person-years
- Peak incidence: 30-40 years
- Sex ratio: more common in males 2:1
| <1 | 1-5 | 6+ | 16+ | 30+ | 40+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ |
Clinical features
Features
- eye pain
- foreign body sensation
- photophobia
- watering eye
- red eye
Referral criteria
Indications for referral to ophthalmology
- Suspected penetrating eye injury due to high-velocity injuries (e.g. drilling, lawn moving or hammering) or sharp objects (e.g. as glass, knives, pencils or thorns)
- Significant orbital or peri-ocular trauma has occurred.
- A chemical injury has occurred (irrigate for 20-30 mins before referring)
- Foreign bodies composed of organic material (such as seeds, soil) should be referred to ophthalmology as these are associated with a higher risk of infection and complications
- Foreign bodies in or near the centre of the cornea
- Any red flags e.g. severe pain; irregular, dilated or non-reactive pupils; significant reduction in visual acuity.