Orbital Trauma Epidemiologic Characteristics by Life Stage.

Study design: Retrospective database review.

Objective: This study aims to characterize and compare the epidemiological factors of orbital trauma between life stages by utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a nationally representative database.

Methods: The NEISS was queried for orbital injuries from 2013 to 2022. Demographic data, injury type, injury location, and product related to injury were compared across life stages defined as 0-5 years (young children), 6-17 years (adolescents), 18-64 years (working adults), and >65 years (elderly adults).

Results: 7846 orbital injuries were reported in the NEISS from 2013-2022. Incidence increased in all age groups over the study period but was highest in elderly adults. There was a bimodal distribution in the frequency of orbital trauma, with peaks occurring at age<20 and around age 80. Adolescents were most likely to be injured by sports-related products while young children and elderly adults were more likely to be injured by household products. Orbital fractures were the most common type of injury across all age groups (40.6%), with the highest rate observed in working adults. Elderly adults were more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to working adults (RR 1.62 [1.49-1.77]).

Conclusions: The rate of orbital trauma is increasing over time, especially in elderly adults, highlighting the need for increased and improved preventative and education measures. The age-specific epidemiological factors identified in this study may help improve detection and management of injuries and guide public health initiatives.