Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Ocular Trauma in a Tertiary- Level Hospital in Tegucigalpa, Hondura

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular trauma is a major cause of visual morbidity worldwide, with direct repercussions on quality of life. In Honduras, epidemiological data on this condition are limited. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of ocular trauma at the San Felipe General Hospital in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 171 patients diagnosed with ocular trauma, selected through simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used, and visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen chart before and after treatment. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The majority of patients were male (63%) and from rural areas (59%). Open-globe trauma was the most frequent type (34%). Before treatment, 42.69% of patients could only count fingers or perceive light; after treatment, 26.90% achieved a visual acuity of ≥ 0.6, while 28.65% continued to have severe visual impairment. Conclusion: Ocular trauma is a significant public health issue in the studied population, with substantial impact on visual function. The findings highlight the need to strengthen prevention strategies, timely care, and visual health education.