Eye Injury Epidemiology in Australia: A 25-Year Systematic Review and Public Health Perspective.

Abstract

Background: Eye injuries are a significant cause of monocular blindness, contributing to individual morbidity and substantial healthcare costs. Despite this burden, eye injury prevention remains underrepresented in Australian public health initiatives. This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024551054) aims to provide the first comprehensive nationwide synthesis of eye injury epidemiology in Australia.

Methods: Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) were searched to identify Australian studies on eye injuries from 1 January 2000 to 1 May 2024. Studies were excluded per the following criteria: not in English; did not exclusively evaluate eye injury (e.g., evaluated all causes of blindness); only evaluated outcomes after injury; sample size < 25; conference abstracts, editorials, letters to the editor/other review articles. Critical appraisals of included texts were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Results were synthesised using the International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study (IGATES) as a framework.

Results: In total, 30 studies were included, ranging from statewide audits to nationwide surveys. Eye injuries were commonest among young males in occupational settings and older adults experiencing falls at home. Paediatric eye injuries frequently occurred during sport or at home. Rural Australians and First Nations women were disproportionately affected by assault-related injuries, including domestic violence.

Conclusions: This review highlights key demographic and contextual risk factors for eye injury in Australia and establishes a robust evidence base to inform targeted, data-driven national prevention strategies. The main limitation of this review is the heterogeneity of included studies, which emphasises the importance of using international, standardised registries such as IGATES.