Incidence of Optic Neuritis among Omani Patients with Multiple Sclerosis at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, multifaceted, heterogeneous autoimmune disease, with optic neuritis (ON) being a common early manifestation among those with MS. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of ON among Omani patients with MS. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all Omani patients diagnosed with MS at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 1991 and December 2019. The data were collected from the neurology registry and electronic medical records and analysed descriptively using univariant and multivariant statistical techniques. Results: Out of the 185 patients diagnosed with MS during the study period, 170 were included in the analysis. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2 and the mean age was 28 years. The incidence of ON in the population was 28.8%, with 83.7% of ON patients presenting with relapse-remitting MS (RRMS). Overall, 28.6% of patients presented with O N as an initial manifestation of MS, whereas 42.8% developed ON at a later stage. Most patients (49.4%) were from higher-latitude regions of Oman such as Muscat and Al Batinah. Conclusions: The incidence of both MS and ON increased over the study period. While the overall incidence was low in comparison with Western data, it was similar to the rates reported elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. Overall, ON was the most common manifestation of MS in the cohort, with younger female patients more frequently presenting with both MS and ON. A significant association was found between the RRMS subtype and ON presentation.

Outcomes of combined procedures compared to various single techniques for involutional entropion.

BACKGROUND: To describe the outcomes of triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with lower eyelid retractor plication compared to an everting sutures (ES) technique or lateral tarsal strip (LTS) procedure for the correction of lower eyelid involutional entropion. METHODS: A nonrandomized clinical study was carried out at two tertiary eye hospitals between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients in Group A underwent triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with lower eyelid retractor plication. Group B had ES, and Group C underwent a LTS procedure. All participants were operated by one surgeon and underwent 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients in whom 84 eyelids were affected by lower eyelid involutional entropion were included in the study. The success rate was higher in Group A compared to Group B and Group C (100% vs. 86.7% vs. 95.8%; P < 0.05). Recurrence at a 1-year follow-up was noted in only four (13.3%) eyelids in Group B and one (4.2%) in Group C. However, patient's in Group C experienced a higher frequency of minimal postoperative complications, including short-term pain (100%), tenderness on the lateral canthal area (100%), tightness of the eyelid (91.7%), and ecchymosis (54.2%) compared to Group A. Patients of Group B experienced minimal or no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Triangular tarsectomy and limited orbicularis myectomy with eyelid retractor plication may be considered the standard procedure for correcting lower eyelid involutional entropion with no recurrence compared to LTS technique or minimally invasive and cost-effective ES procedure.

Effect of fingolimod therapy on quantitative macular changes among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a four-year follow-up study from Oman.

PURPOSE: Fingolimod (FTY-720) is an immunomodulatory oral agent approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); however, several clinical trials have shown that some recipients may develop macular oedema (ME) as an adverse reaction. As there are no studies assessing the long-term (> 1 year) effect of fingolimod on the macula, this study aimed to evaluate the quantitative effect of fingolimod therapy on central macular thickness (CMT) and total macular volume (TMV) over a four-year period. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed between January 2014 and December 2018. A total of 21 patients with RRMS receiving fingolimod therapy were recruited and followed-up over 4 years to assess CMT and TMV changes measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. A paired sample t-test was used to compare mean CMT and TMV values calculated at baseline prior to the initiation of fingolimod therapy with those observed at three, six, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of treatment. RESULTS: None of the patients developed ME over the four-year study period. In addition, there was no significant difference in baseline mean CMT values and those observed at a four-year follow-up. Although mean TMV values remained constant initially, there was a significant decrease towards the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term fingolimod therapy did not result in significant CFT changes. While there was a reduction in TMV towards the end of the study, this is likely due to the degenerative effect of the disease itself on the nerve fibres of the retina.

Unilateral Proptosis: A Rare Presenting Sign of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Unilateral proptosis is a rare initial presenting sign of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report a case of unilateral proptosis in a six-year-old girl as the initial manifestation of AML. The cancer link was initially missed and the case was investigated as one of hyperthyroidism. Peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspirate evaluation showed signs diagnostic of AML. Computed tomography scan of orbits showed infiltrative process in the right orbit, right maxillary, and right ethmoidal sinuses. Unilateral proptosis as an extramedullary first presenting feature of AML is very rare; however, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of proptosis in pediatric age group.

The Genetic Spectrum of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia in Oman.

Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) is an autosomal disorder that causes severe elevation of serum triglyceride levels. It is caused by genetic alterations in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, LMF1, and GPIHBP1 genes. The mutation spectrum of F-HTG in Arabic populations is limited. Here, we report the genetic spectrum of six families of F-HTG of Arab ancestry in Oman. Methods: six Omani families affected with triglyceride levels >11.2 mmol/L were included in this study. Ampli-Seq sequencing of the selected gene panels was performed. Whole-exome sequencing and copy number variant analysis were also performed in cases with negative exome results. Three novel pathogenic missense variants in the LPL gene were identified, p.M328T, p.H229L, and p.S286G, along with a novel splice variant c.1322+15T > G. The LPL p.H229L variant existed in double heterozygous mutation with the APOA5 gene p.V153M variant. One family had a homozygous mutation in the LMF1 gene (c.G107A; p.G36D) and a heterozygous mutation in the LPL gene (c.G106A; p.D36N). All affected subjects did not have a serum deficiency of LPL protein. Genetic analysis in one family did not show any pathogenic variants even after whole-exome sequencing. These novel LPL and APOA5 mutations are not reported in other ethnic groups. This suggests that patients with F-HTG in Oman have a founder effect and are genetically unique. This warrants further analysis of patients of F-HTG in the Middle East for preventative and counseling purposes to limit the spread of the disease in a population of high consanguinity.

The study of simultaneous bilateral ocular trauma in Northern India: clinical presentation, epidemiology and patterns of injury.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed to determine the frequency, sociodemographic profile, clinical presentation, patterns of injury, treatment and outcomes of cases of simultaneous bilateral ocular trauma treated in a teaching hospital of Northern India. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from May 2015 to April 2019. The medical records of patients presenting with bilateral ocular injuries were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 402 patients presenting with ocular injuries, 34 (8.5%) had simultaneous bilateral ocular trauma. The majority were male (70.6%), and the mean age was 26.82 ± 15.86 years (range: 2-70 years). The most frequently affected age group has been 16-25 years (35.3%). Most injuries occurred away from home (64.7%), mainly on roads (32.4%) or playgrounds (14.7%), and the vast majority (91.2%) were non-occupational in nature. Mechanical injuries were most frequent (47.1%), followed by cracker (17.7%), chemical (17.7%) and thermal (11.8%) injuries. Most cases occurred due to assault (26.5%), road traffic injury (20.6%) or sports/recreational activities (17.7%). The majority of victims were not using protective devices at the time of injury (82.4%) and had associated polytrauma (58.8%). Closed and open globe injuries accounted for 29.4% and 14.7% of cases, respectively, mostly involving zones I (55.0%) and II (40.0%). Orbital fractures occurred in 27.9% of eyes. Category I and II ocular trauma scores were noted in 5.9% and 7.4% of eyes, respectively. Overall, 13.2% were blinded as a result of the trauma. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral ocular trauma is rare and occurs mostly following road traffic accidents, assault or recreational activities. In particular, young-adult males are more prone to bilateral ocular injuries, the majority of which are severe and associated with poor outcomes. The study also highlights that poor initial visual acuity, multiple ocular structure involvement, large open globe injury, presence of intraocular hemorrhage, posterior segment injury, multiple orbital fractures and lower OTS were the poor prognostic factors.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in multiple sclerosis with and without optic neuritis: a four-year follow-up study from Oman.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, with optic neuritis (ON) being a common early manifestation. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness may be a biomarker of neuroaxonal damage in MS patients. We sought to evaluate changes in RNFL thickness over 4 years in Omani MS patients with or without ON in comparison to a healthy control group. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study involved 27 MS patients and 25 healthy controls. Optical coherence tomography was performed upon first diagnosis and at a four-year follow-up. Differences in mean RNFL thickness were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 51 eyes from the MS group and 50 eyes from the control group were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in mean RNFL thickness among MS patients with ON at follow-up (81.21 versus 72.14 µm; P = .003), whereas no significant RNFL thinning was observed among MS patients without ON. However, there was a significant reduction in RNFL thickness among MS patients compared to healthy controls (76.79 versus 93.72 µm; P = .009), regardless of ON presence/absence. CONCLUSIONS: Axonal damage was seen in the optic nerves of Omani MS patients. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in RNFL thickness among MS patients with ON as the disease progressed; however, while there was evidence of RNFL thinning in MS patients without ON, this difference lacked statistical significance. Evaluation of RNFL thickness may represent a useful biomarker for monitoring disease progression in MS and its association with ON.

Ophthalmic findings as clues for early diagnosis of Vici syndrome in a neonate.

AIM: To report the earliest diagnosis of Vici syndrome in a three-week-old Omani girl. METHODS: A three-week-old baby girl with blond hair and agenesis of the corpus callosum was born to consanguineous parents. An older sibling with similar findings had died at the age of six months with recurrent seizures and aspiration pneumonia without a diagnosis of the underlying systemic condition. After a standard ophthalmic and comprehensive systemic evaluation, full sequencing of the EPG5 gene was carried out. RESULTS: The findings of bilateral anterior polar cataracts and oculocutaneous albinism in the child with agenesis of corpus callosum raised a suspicion of Vici syndrome. Immunology, neurology, cardiology, and genetic consultations were requested and revealed the presence of immunodeficiency, psychomotor retardation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Full sequencing of the EPG5 gene led to the detection of a homozygous c.6084 G > A (Trp2028Ter) mutation, confirming the diagnosis of Vici syndrome. Parental heterozygosity was confirmed. On follow-up, progressive microcephaly, failure to thrive, and significant developmental delay were noted, and a clinical decision not to resuscitate was made at the age of 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: We report the earliest diagnosis of Vici syndrome in the literature. Ophthalmic findings are a cardinal feature of this condition. The diagnosis should be considered in infants with hallmark features of oculocutaneous albinism, cataracts, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Vici syndrome has a very poor prognosis due to progressive neuroregression superimposed on the neurodevelopmental anomaly.

Congenital Eyelid Anomalies: What General Physicians Need To Know.

The eyelids are important structures that maintain the health of the ocular surface and have an important role in facial esthetics. Any interruption in eyelid development can lead to congenital eyelid deformities. Eyelid abnormalities in children may present at birth due to abnormal embryogenesis (congenital) or may occur at a later stage as the child matures (developmental). These abnormalities, in general, can be classified into three different categories depending on the location: malformation of the margins, malformation of the folds, and malformation of the position. Congenital and developmental eyelid abnormalities are among the most challenging problems encountered by ophthalmic reconstructive surgeons. Additional considerations include social factors regarding the patient's self-awareness of their deformities and associated medical issues, which often coexist and maybe multisystem in nature. This article briefly reviews eyelid embryology, the most common congenital eyelid anomalies, and the management options available to address these conditions.

Ocular cysticercosis at a teaching hospital in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: Ocular cysticercosis (OC) is common in tropical countries. This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation patterns, management and treatment outcomes of OC cases seen at a teaching hospital in North India. METHODS: This study took place between March 2014 and February 2019. A total of 36 patients with OC were analyzed to determine clinical presentation and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 13 (36.11%) were male and 23 (63.89%) were female. The most frequently affected age group was 10-29 years (n = 22; 61.11%). All of the patients had unilateral lesions, with involvement of the left eye in 22 (61.11%) and the right in 14 (38.89%). The majority of cases were isolated to the ocular region; however, five (13.89%) demonstrated neural involvement as well. In terms of cyst location, 15 (41.67%) were orbital, 13 (36.11%) were subconjunctival and four each (11.11%) were intraocular or on the eyelid. The most common clinical presentations were subconjunctival masses or proptosis in 13 each (36.11%) and periorbital swelling in 12 (33.33%). Most patients received medical treatment (n - 23; 63.89%), while the others required surgical excision. Recurrence was noted in seven patients (19.44%), of which three underwent surgery while the rest were treated medically. Two patients (5.56%) developed phthisis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, OC cysts were more often orbital or subconjunctival compared to findings reported from Western countries. In addition, a female preponderance was noted in contrast to previously reported findings. Advanced radioimaging is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure physician awareness of bioethics and medical law in Oman.

BACKGROUND: A different ethos with respect to the perception of medical ethics prevails in societies in transition such as those in the Arabian Peninsula, which makes it difficult to apply international principles of bioethics in medical practice. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically test an instrument that measures physicians' awareness of bioethics and medical law and their attitudes towards the practice of medical ethics. Additionally, it examined physician correlates influencing the awareness of bioethics. METHODS: Following a rigorous review of relevant literature by a panel of experts, a 13-item instrument, the Omani physicians' bioethics and medical law awareness (OBMLA) questionnaire was developed with the aim of assessing physicians' awareness of bioethics and medical law. The study tool's construct validity and internal consistency reliability were examined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha. In a cross-sectional study, the questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of 200 physicians at a tertiary hospital in Muscat, Oman. Participant characteristics that may influence awareness of bioethics and medical law were explored. RESULTS: The EFA of the OBMLA questionnaire resulted in three well-loading factors: (1) Physicians' bioethics practice subscale (2) incentive related bioethics subscale and (3) medical law awareness subscale. Internal consistency reliability ranged between Cronbach's α: 0.73-0.8. Of the total 200 participants, 52% reported that teaching medical ethics during medical school was inadequate. The overall mean (standard deviation, SD) of the bioethics awareness score and Omani medical law awareness were 27.6 (3.5) and 10.1 (2.1) respectively. The majority of physicians (73%) reported that they frequently encountered ethical dilemmas in their practice and 24.5% endorsed the view that unethical decisions tended to occur in their practice. CONCLUSION: The study provides an insight into the practice of bioethics, and the awareness of bioethics and medical law among physicians in a teaching hospital in Oman. The OBMLA questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess a physician's awareness of bioethics and medical law. In this preliminary study, it appears that participants have suboptimal scores on the indices which measure practice and awareness of bioethics and medical law.

Clinicopathological Analysis and Demographic Features of Ocular Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinicopathological spectrum of ocular malignancies among patients presenting to a teaching hospital in Northern India. METHODS: A total of 246 histopathologically diagnosed patients with ocular malignancies were included in the study. Tumor type and size, primary origin and location of tumor, clinical staging, radiological findings, histopathological type, and treatment outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, males over 55 years of age were most commonly affected and the majority of cases were primary ocular or adnexal malignancies (n = 226; 91.87%). The eyelids and periocular structures (n = 92; 37.40%) were the most commonly involved site, followed by the orbit (n = 72; 29.27%), ocular surface (n = 46; 18.70%) and intraocular region (n = 36; 14.63%). The majority of the patients (n = 68; 27.64%) were managed by primary surgical excision and reconstruction. However, 46 patients (18.70%) with advanced lesions underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical excision and more extensive orbital lesions were treated by exenteration followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (n=48; 19.51%), while patients with metastatic tumor were given palliative chemotherapy/external beam radiation therapy (n= 46; 18.70%). Overall, 45.12% of patients were cured completely, 15.45% showed a partial response to the treatment, 13.04% had progressive disease and 16.67% demonstrated disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: A clinicopathological analysis of ocular malignancies at a teaching hospital in Northern India indicated the preponderance of primary ocular malignancies, with eyelid sebaceous gland carcinomas being the most common pathological diagnosis. Most of our patients had advanced and extensive disease among them majority belonged to the rural background and poor socio-economic status.

Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma arising in a patient with immunoglobulin-G4-related ophthalmic disease: A 4-year delay in diagnosis.

Ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphomas (MZBLs) make up the majority of lymphomas arising from the ocular adnexa. Immunoglobulin-G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a recently proposed entity with several unique clinicopathological features, such as enlargement of affected organs, elevated serum IgG4 level, and infiltration with IgG4-positive plasma cells. Ocular adnexal MZBLs are reported to arise in IgG4-related sclerosing dacryoadenitis, indicating a possible link between the two conditions. Here, we describe a 37-year-old Omani male who presented with right periorbital swelling and proptosis 4 years before presentation. He was diagnosed to have right orbital pseudotumor and exhibited good response to steroid therapy. However, 4 years later, rapid swelling of the right orbital mass was observed. The patient underwent lacrimal gland biopsy. Although the histology was consistent with IgG4-related disease, the infiltrating large atypical lymphoid cells showed that immunoglobulin light-chain restriction and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate involving the soft tissue were seen. Consequently, he was diagnosed with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with abundant IgG4-positive cells of the right lacrimal gland.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmic Referrals within a Tertiary Academic Center in Oman.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of coronavirus infection disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmic referrals within an academic tertiary center in Oman. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of internal referrals received and evaluated by the ophthalmology department between March 1and August 31, 2020 (COVID-19 period) compared to a corresponding period in 2019 (pre COVID-19). Data included patient demographics, referral details, ocular diagnosis, intervention, and discharge plan. RESULTS: Referral volume significantly decreased by 58.2%; from 2019 prepandemic to 510 (P = 0.001), with the lowest in April and May 2020. Patient demographics did not differ significantly, but "urgent" referrals reduced by 96.2% (P < 0.001). Main reasons for referrals were reduced vision and screening in both periods. During pandemic, referrals for screening purposes increased from 30.3% to 37.9% (P = 0.013) and for reduced vision decreased from 30% to 23.3% (P = 0.021). Dry eye syndrome increased in frequency during 2020 (from 2.9% to 7.3%, P = 0.002) but cataracts and conjunctivitis both decreased (from 4.7% to 2.1%, P = 0.046 and from 2.3% to 0.3%, P = 0.013, respectively). Ocular trauma remained stable (from 0.8% to 0.3%, P = 0.456), but the proportion of chemical injuries increased by 13.7% (P = 0.025). There was a drastic decrease in interventions from 37% to 26.1% (P < 0.001) and an increase in discharge rate from 61.2% to 75.8% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic referrals within a tertiary academic centre in oman referral reductions and changes in pattern and characteristics as an epiphenomenon of COVID-19 reflect the extent of impact specifically in an Omani context. This information is vital for planning proper resource utilization, the adoption of innovative care delivery, and improving referral system pathways.

Short-Term Efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Omani Eyes with Glaucoma: A Single Institutional Study.

PURPOSE: There is some evidence suggesting a different nature of response to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) among different races. Therefore, we aimed to assess the short-term efficacy, safety and nature of outcome of SLT in Omani eyes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHTN) who underwent a single session of 360-degree SLT between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The main outcome was mean IOP reduction and attainment of treatment success at 5 weeks and 12 weeks post treatment defined as at least 20% IOP reduction from baseline without further medications or interventions. Secondary outcomes were frequency of adverse events and factors predicting success. RESULTS: A total of 33 eyes of 33 Omani patients who underwent treatment with SLT were analyzed. The nature of response to laser followed a gradual pattern as the mean IOP reduction from baseline was 20.2% (5.21 mm Hg, P <0.001) at 5 weeks and further enhanced to 27.2% (6.95 mm Hg, P <0.001) at 12 weeks. Short-term success was achieved in 51.5% and 72.2% of eyes at 5 and 12 weeks, respectively. SLT was most effective in OHTN subgroup and those with higher baseline IOP (both P <0.001). Side effects were an infrequent occurrence, minor and transient. CONCLUSION: The short-term success of SLT in Omani eyes was clinically relevant and comparable to the gradual pattern seen in patients of Indian ancestry. It is a safe therapeutic option in selective Omani eyes.

The epidemiology of ocular trauma in Northern India: A teaching hospital study.

AIM: The aim was to determine the epidemiology of ocular trauma in a large teaching hospital in northern India over 4 years from 2010 to 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, hospital-based, observational study was conducted at the Ophthalmology and Emergency Outpatient Departments of S. S. Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from March 2012 to February 2016. Detailed history was taken with special consideration to time, place and session of trauma, mode of injury, and type and nature of traumatic agent. All patients were thoroughly examined as per the standard clinical procedures to identify the type, extent, and severity of injury and impact on ocular structure and vision. Follow-up period was 6 months. Statistical analysis was based on age, sex, residence, marital status, occupation, per capita income, type of trauma and nature of damage, etc. RESULTS: Out of 402 patients, 293 (72.9%) were male and 109 (27.1%) were female. Overall male-to-female sex ratio was 2.7:1. Patients were aged between 2 and 70 years (mean: 26.48 ± 15.88, median: 23 years). The most vulnerable age group was 6-15 years (24.38%) followed by 16-25 years (23.88%). Maximum patients belonged to rural background (61.94%). The extent of ocular trauma was 3.93% (95% confidence interval: 3.23-4.63). Majority of participants were single (78.11%) and rest were married. About 112 (27.9%) participants were illiterate and 24.4% had primary education only. One hundred and eighty-eight (46.8%) participants belonged to lower and lower middle socioeconomic status. The cases were clustered in Rs. 1000-5000 per capita income. Most of the injuries occurred in summer season (46.18%) and in afternoon between 12.00 and 17.59 h (48.8%). Majority of trauma occurred away from home (66.20%) mainly on street (28.6%) and playground (9.2%). The most common injury was nonoccupational (82.3%) including sports related (23.9%) and road traffic accident (23.6%). Mechanical injuries were accounted for 89.3% of all eye injuries, and most common source was wooden object (24.9%) followed by metallic objects (20.9%). Traumatic agents were blunt and sharp in 56% and 17% of cases, respectively. Majority of traumatic agents were solid (82.1%). Seven percent of victims were drowsy during trauma and 98.4% of participants were not using any protective device at the time of injury. In 60.7% of cases, time elapsed between injury and treatment was between 1 and 24 h. Around 44.5% had isolated ocular trauma and rest 55.5% were polytrauma cases. Three hundred and sixty-eight (91.5%) participants had unilateral involvement and 8.5% had bilateral involvement. Almost 52.8% had injuries of adnexa and 32.8% had globe injuries. More than half of the study participants had ≥3 ocular structure involvement. After 6 months, 14.8% of the right eyes and 25.5% of the left eyes showed poor outcome. CONCLUSION: This study highlights epidemiology of ocular trauma in northern India. Mass health education and awareness about risk of ocular trauma, morbidity caused by delayed presentation, and need to adopt safety or preventive strategies should be focused, especially during travel, playground, and at workplace.