KHẢO SÁT ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG CHẤN THƯƠNG ĐỨT LỆ QUẢN VÀ MỐI LIÊN QUAN VỚI VIỆC SỬ DỤNG BẢO HỘ MẮT

Abstract

Study Objective: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with traumatic canalicular lacerations treated at Vietnam National Eye Hospital between 2023 and 2024. It also analyzed the association between injury circumstances and the use (or non-use) of eye protective equipment at the time of trauma. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 197 patients with confirmed traumatic canalicular lacerations who presented to the Ocular Trauma Department of Vietnam National Eye Hospital from June 2023 to June 2024. Inclusion criteria: canalicular laceration due to any traumatic cause; complete information regarding the accident circumstances and eye protection status at the time of injury; and patient consent to participate. Exclusion criteria: non-traumatic canalicular lesions. A convenient sampling method was applied, including all eligible patients during the study period. Data collected comprised age, sex, injury circumstances and location, use of eye protective equipment at the time of trauma, site of canalicular laceration, associated injuries, and time to surgical repair. Results: Among the 197 patients, 138 (70.0%) were male, predominantly young and middle-aged adults. The most common cause of canalicular laceration was traffic accidents (58.2%), followed by occupational injuries (27.8%) and domestic accidents (13.1%), while assault accounted for only 0.8%. Only 16.9% of patients were using appropriate eye protection at the time of trauma; 30.0% were wearing incomplete or inadequate protection; and 53.2% were not using any eye protection. The lower canaliculus was involved in the majority of cases (91.1%), while the upper canaliculus accounted for 2.5%, and both canaliculi were affected in 6.3%. Eyelid lacerations accompanied the canalicular injury in 74.7% of patients, whereas 25.3% had isolated canalicular laceration without eyelid involvement. Associated injuries included globe injury in 4.6% of cases and maxillofacial trauma in 10.1%. Most patients (87.4%) underwent canalicular repair within the first 48 hours after injury. Conclusion: Traumatic canalicular lacerations were more common in male patients and were primarily caused by traffic and occupational accidents. The proportion of injured individuals not using eye protection remained high (>50%). These findings emphasize the importance of properly using safety goggles and helmets with face shields to prevent ocular injuries. Strengthening community education and implementing safety measures during driving, working, and sports activities are essential to reduce lacrimal drainage injuries. Early canalicular repair with silicone intubation (within 1–2 days) resulted in favorable recovery and reduced the risk of tear drainage dysfunction.