Eye-related complaints presenting to the accident and emergency department in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: In resource-limited countries, it is important that only genuine ophthalmic emergencies should be seen in the Accident and Emergency department to reduce the pressure on the limited human and material resources. The aim of the study is to determine the pattern of eye-related emergencies who presented to the Accident and Emergency department in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all consecutive ophthalmic patients who presented at the general Accident and Emergency department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between July 2018 and December 2020. Patients who discharged themselves against medical advice were not included in the study. Results: A total of 363 presented with ophthalmic complaints, and their mean age was 32.6 ± 20.2 years. Most of the cases presented as emergencies (61.4%) with more than half (32.8%) requiring ocular surgery. Eyelid laceration was the leading cause of presentation (12.4%). Emergency cases were more likely to present during the weekend (71.5%). Males were 5.1% less likely to present as emergencies. Conclusion: Most of the cases were emergencies with eyelid laceration and penetrating eye injuries being the leading cause. Although the number of nonemergencies was less, the need for the inclusion of primary eye care in the existing primary healthcare centers will further reduce the number of non-emergency cases seen.