Ocular injuries in two-wheeler-associated road traffic accidents

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of helmets in providing protection against ocular trauma during road traffic accidents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective comparative observational study on ocular trauma due to road traffic accidents. We collected data from 100 patients. Patients in Group A had 50 cases of road traffic accidents while using helmets, and patients in Group B had 50 cases of road traffic accidents without helmets. The demographics, ocular parameters, type of injury, and severity of injury were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the 100 patients evaluated, 30% had subconjunctival haemorrhage (SCH), among which 90% were not using helmets. Similarly, 21% presented with ecchymosis; among them, 95% were riding without a helmet. 18% presented with a cut lacerated wound, all of whom were not using a helmet. There were 13% of patients with lid tears, and all did not use a helmet. 23% had abrasions: in this subgroup, 82.6% didn’t use helmets (p = 0.000). 2% of patients suffered globe rupture, and neither wore a helmet. CONCLUSION: Road traffic accidents, especially while riding a two-wheeler, are a significant and growing cause of blindness. Helmets and visors are paramount to avoid substantial visual loss in road traffic accidents.