Firework-inflicted ocular trauma in children and adults in an urban German setting

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess firework-inflicted ocular trauma in the German capital during the week around New Year's Eve with regards to patient characteristics and age, severity of injuries, and their management and outcome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting to the department of ophthalmology of Charité-University Medicine Berlin during a 7-day period around New Year's Eve in the years 2014-2017 was performed. Patients with ocular complaints and injuries caused by fireworks were included. We recorded demographic data, active role, visual acuity at presentation and at last follow-up, the most pertinent clinical findings, management and outcome with regards to visual acuity, and integrity of the eye. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients with 165 injured eyes were included. Median age at presentation was 23 (4-58) years, and 71.2% were male. Fifty-one patients (34.9%) were less than 18 years old. Ninty-seven patients (66.4%) sustained minor, 34 (23.3%) sustained moderate, and 15 (10.3%) sustained severe injuries. Severe trauma was seen in younger patients (median age: 12, range: 4-58 years) than mild and moderate trauma (median age: 23, range: 4-45 years) and resulted in loss of light perception in two eyes and in a visual acuity of only light perception in three eyes. One eye was enucleated. CONCLUSION: Ocular trauma inflicted by fireworks can have serious consequences for ocular morbidity and visual acuity, especially in severe trauma which affected younger patients. To significantly reduce firework-inflicted trauma, a ban of private fireworks in densely populated areas and in the vicinity of children should be considered.