{Reference Type}: English Abstract
{Title}: [Functional outcomes and prognostic factors of firearm-related ocular trauma among soldiers in the conflict zones of Cameroon].
{Author}: Aboubakar H;Djamilatou D;Ndongo JA;Nyouma PJ;Biangoup Nyamsi P;Mbogos C;Mvogo A;Koki G;
{Journal}: J Fr Ophtalmol
{Volume}: 47
{Issue}: 8
{Year}: 2024 Jun 21
{Factor}: 1.194
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104238
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To study prognostic factors and functional visual outcomes of soldiers after firearm-related ocular trauma in the conflict zone.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out from January 2017 to December 2022 in the ophthalmology departments of three military hospitals. Soldiers with firearm-related ocular trauma were selected. Epidemiological and clinical data, prognostic factors and functional outcomes were studied. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS version 23.0 software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and a P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 162 eyes of 136 patients were included. The mean age was 28.93±6.52 years. All patients were male. Improvised firearms were the most frequent cause (77%). Bilateral involvement was observed in 26 patients (19.1%). The mean visual acuity of the affected eyes was 1.66±1.04logMAR on admission. Closed globe injuries predominated (72%). The most frequent anatomical lesions of the globe were hyphema (23.4%) and vitreous hemorrhage (19.7%). The mean final visual acuity was 1.38±1.17logMAR, and blindness was observed in 50% of eyes. Factors influencing final visual acuity were type of trauma, initial visual acuity, hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Blindness due to firearm-related eye injuries in the conflict zone of Cameroon is common. Wearing protective glasses or visors might reduce its frequency.