Epidemiologic profile of ophthalmic emergencies in a Tertiary University Hospital

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze and study the prevalence and circumstances of ophthalmic emergencies and urgencies in the Emergency Room of the Hospital de Clínicas de Uberlândia and the Central Ambulatory (Amélio Marques) of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HCU-UFU) from August 2016 to August 2017. This is a necessary study since ophthalmic emergencies are important causes of morbidities in society⁽¹⁾. In addition, this study will help to develop prevention policies and to make greater training of professionals based on knowledge of the main causes of eye emergencies. The proposed methodology included the collection of data from the medical record, with the information of sex, age and occupation/profession being collected. This is an observational, descriptive, transversal, exploratory epidemiological study. The study showed that males were the most affected and the most incident age group was between 19 and 45 years old. Eye trauma due to a foreign body is the most common cause of demand for ophthalmologic emergency care with a close relationship with work activities (mechanics and ironmongers). In this way, the data will be an important resource to assist in understanding the epidemiological profile of the ophthalmology emergency room in order to optimize its administration and to encourage the adoption of public prevention policies within the scope of occupational health.

Keywords:
Emergencies; Eye foreign bodies; Eye injuries; Epidemiology; Emergency medical services; Emergency Service, Hospital; Accidents, occupational; Eye diseases/diagnosis; Occupational health; Hospitals, university