@article{ref1,
title="Eyeglasses-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2002-2003",
journal="Ophthalmic epidemiology",
year="2006",
author="Sinclair, S. A. and Smith, Gary A. and Xiang, Huiyun",
volume="13",
number="1",
pages="23-30",
abstract="Purpose: An estimated 60% of Americans wear prescription eyeglasses. Despite the fact that eyeglasses pose a threat for injury, there is little research presenting national statistics of eyeglasses-related injuries. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was used to analyze eyeglasses-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) in 2002-2003. Eyeglasses-related injury cases were identified by the consumer product codes for eyeglasses and sunglasses and each case's narrative description was reviewed to identify the mechanism of injury. Cases (n = 642) were weighted to produce national estimates of eyeglasses-related injuries. Mechanism of injury, body region injured, injury diagnosis, and outcome of ED visit were analyzed by gender and age. Results: An estimated 27,152 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21,627-32,677) eyeglasses-related injuries were treated in U.S. EDs in 2002-2003. Overall, males and females were equally likely to sustain eyeglasses-related injuries (53.5% vs. 46.5%), but this distribution varied by age group. A significantly higher percentage of eyeglasses-related injuries due to falls occurred among persons aged 65 years or more (89.5%, 95% CI: 83.5-93.5), whereas sports-related injuries were more common among persons aged 0-17 years (36.6%, 95% CI: 26.1-48.6). Eyeball injuries were significantly more prominent among persons aged 18-64 years. Overall, 3.8% (95% CI: 2.3-6.3) of eyeglasses-related injuries resulted in hospital admission. Conclusions: Eyeglasses-related injuries in the U.S. demonstrate age- and gender-specific characteristics. Safer eyeglasses design and the use of protective eyewear during sports activities and other activities with a high risk of ocular trauma will help prevent future eyeglasses-related injuries.",
language="",
issn="0928-6586",
doi="10.1080/09286580500346645",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09286580500346645"
}