Ocular injuries and diseases at a combat support hospital in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
J. S. Heier, R. W. Enzenauer, S. F. Wintermeyer, M. Delaney and F. P. LaPiana
Ophthalmology Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colo 80045.
A retrospective review of all emergency department visits to a combat
support hospital (one of four combining to support 150,000 troops) during
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm was conducted, and all medical
records of patients with ocular complaints were analyzed. Ocular injury
and/or disease accounted for 14% (108/767) of these visits to the emergency
department. Of 108 patients with ocular complaints, corneal foreign bodies
(18), ocular burns (14), and traumatic iritis (eight) were the most common
injuries treated, while blepharitis and conjunctivitis (16) were the most
common diseases. Nineteen (18%) of the 108 patients with ocular complaints
were treated during support of the ground war in Iraq (13 were Iraqi
prisoners). Ophthalmic injuries accounted for 13% (19/149) of all ground
war casualties; however, eight individuals had associated injuries deemed
more significant than those of ocular concern. This incidence continues the
trend of earlier wars, which has demonstrated a steady increase in ocular
injuries. Most US Army troops were issued protective goggles, but only
three of 92 American patients wore them at the time of their injury and/or
disease.
