Assuntos
Acidentes de Trabalho , Traumatismos Oculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Fraturas Orbitárias/diagnóstico por imagem , Struthioniformes , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Animais , Evisceração do Olho , Traumatismos Oculares/cirurgia , Ossos Faciais/diagnóstico por imagem , Ossos Faciais/lesões , Humanos , Masculino , Osso Nasal/diagnóstico por imagem , Osso Nasal/lesões , Fraturas Cranianas/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/cirurgiaAssuntos
Corpo Ciliar/patologia , Leiomioma/patologia , Neoplasias Uveais/patologia , Adulto , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
What are the consequences of suddenly legalizing fireworks sales in a largely rural society? Would the spectrum of ocular injuries caused by fireworks differ from those found in the Western world? This is the first study on ocular injuries caused by fireworks conducted in the Republic of South Africa. We analyzed the presenting features and prospectively followed up all patients who presented to the casualties served by our ophthalmic department over the New Year celebrations of 1996-1997. The sale of fireworks to the public had been deregulated the previous year. Ocular injuries caused by fireworks had not been reported before 1995. We found that ocular injuries caused by fireworks occurred mainly in young male patients. The injuries were usually unilateral and responded to treatment. This mirrors worldwide studies that show that it is children who are frequently harmed by fireworks injury. Two of our patients were blinded by their injuries. Our findings echo those found in Western countries where fireworks have not been restricted by law. We suggest that young boys, regardless of race, nationality, literacy, or social circumstances, are at risk for ocular injuries caused by fireworks. Countries planning to unban fireworks should aim their education program at this target group.
