Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Could also be classified under Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Eye injuries in the United States represent a significant public health concern with their potential to cause long-term disability, economic burden, and reduced quality of life. Injuries to the eye can range from minor abrasions to severe contusions, lacerations, and fractures, with some leading to permanent vision loss. Preliminary data also suggests disparities in the availability of ophthalmologists across Texas cities which raises the question of whether cities with higher rates of eye injuries are staffed with enough specialists. In Texas, where the population is both geographically and demographically diverse, understanding the epidemiological factors behind eye injuries is crucial for further prevention, treatment, and identifying areas where access to care is most needed.
Methods: Using the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Database data from 2018 - 2022, we performed a retrospective analysis of eye injury cases reported statewide using the ICD-10 codes for injury of eye and orbit (S05) and fracture of the orbital floor (S02.3). The key variables included demographic information (sex, age), severity, cause of injury, and incident location by ZIP codes and population density organized by Public Health Regions (PHR). Statistical analyses were conducted using R software. This included chi-square tests and frequency analysis. A p-value below 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: We identified 9,243 patients with eye injuries in our dataset. Within this population, young adults accounted for the highest frequency of eye injuries (29.9%); however, the elderly had significantly higher proportions in the "Minor" severity category (17.43%). Eye injuries were more frequent in males (69%) compared to females (31%). Despite this, the severity distribution was similar between sexes, with males experiencing Moderate (7.5%) and Severe (2.0%) injuries, compared to females with Moderate (5.4%) and Severe (1.7%) injuries. The distribution of orbital fractures across Texas was not random, with PHR 10 – El Paso showing the highest density of eye injuries at 759 per 100,000 people (59.2%), followed by PHR 1 with 55 per 100,000 people, accounting for 9% of the distribution. Additionally, assaults leading to eye injuries were more frequent than motor vehicle accidents, with a difference of 2.1% in frequency.
Conclusion: Overall, we found that males and young adults exhibited the highest frequency of eye injuries; this could be due to increased exposure to high-risk activities. Additionally, assault accounted for more eye injuries than motor vehicle accidents. Further investigation is necessary to assess the availability of specialists in regions with high rates of eye injuries. Cross-referencing this data can help allocate ophthalmic care to areas that need it most.
Recommended Citation
Saldhi, Saloni; Holubar, Ashlyn; Torres, Jocelyn; Ortigoza, Isabella; Padhi, Shalika; Guillory, Mary Arden; Salinas, Daniel; and Baker, Kelsey, "Influence of Epidemiological Factors on Eye Injuries in Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis" (2025). Research Symposium. 142.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/142
Included in
Influence of Epidemiological Factors on Eye Injuries in Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis
Background: Eye injuries in the United States represent a significant public health concern with their potential to cause long-term disability, economic burden, and reduced quality of life. Injuries to the eye can range from minor abrasions to severe contusions, lacerations, and fractures, with some leading to permanent vision loss. Preliminary data also suggests disparities in the availability of ophthalmologists across Texas cities which raises the question of whether cities with higher rates of eye injuries are staffed with enough specialists. In Texas, where the population is both geographically and demographically diverse, understanding the epidemiological factors behind eye injuries is crucial for further prevention, treatment, and identifying areas where access to care is most needed.
Methods: Using the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Database data from 2018 - 2022, we performed a retrospective analysis of eye injury cases reported statewide using the ICD-10 codes for injury of eye and orbit (S05) and fracture of the orbital floor (S02.3). The key variables included demographic information (sex, age), severity, cause of injury, and incident location by ZIP codes and population density organized by Public Health Regions (PHR). Statistical analyses were conducted using R software. This included chi-square tests and frequency analysis. A p-value below 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: We identified 9,243 patients with eye injuries in our dataset. Within this population, young adults accounted for the highest frequency of eye injuries (29.9%); however, the elderly had significantly higher proportions in the "Minor" severity category (17.43%). Eye injuries were more frequent in males (69%) compared to females (31%). Despite this, the severity distribution was similar between sexes, with males experiencing Moderate (7.5%) and Severe (2.0%) injuries, compared to females with Moderate (5.4%) and Severe (1.7%) injuries. The distribution of orbital fractures across Texas was not random, with PHR 10 – El Paso showing the highest density of eye injuries at 759 per 100,000 people (59.2%), followed by PHR 1 with 55 per 100,000 people, accounting for 9% of the distribution. Additionally, assaults leading to eye injuries were more frequent than motor vehicle accidents, with a difference of 2.1% in frequency.
Conclusion: Overall, we found that males and young adults exhibited the highest frequency of eye injuries; this could be due to increased exposure to high-risk activities. Additionally, assault accounted for more eye injuries than motor vehicle accidents. Further investigation is necessary to assess the availability of specialists in regions with high rates of eye injuries. Cross-referencing this data can help allocate ophthalmic care to areas that need it most.
