Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ocular trauma is a major cause of monocular blindness. Early and timely reporting is essential for favorable visual outcomes. This study examines health-seeking behaviors in ocular trauma cases, with a focus on traumatic cataracts. SETTING: Single-center study in Western Central India. METHODS: This retrospective study included all first-time traumatic cataract surgeries (previously operated cases excluded) performed between 2009 and 2022. Data from electronic medical records, including demographic and clinical details, were entered into pre-tested online forms, exported to Excel, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were applied, with P < 0.05 considered significant. OUTCOME MEASURES: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). STUDY POPULATION: A total of 2,093 eyes of 2,093 patients. RESULTS: Of the cohort, 1,473 (70.3%) were male and 620 (29.6%) female, median age 25 years; 39.4% were pediatric cases. The median interval between trauma and first consultation was 15 days; only 17.2% presented within 24 hours. Reporting interval significantly affected visual outcomes (P = 0.000). Most patients (91%) were from rural areas, and 86.3% were from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Pre- and post-surgical vision showed significant improvement, though delayed reporting reduced the gains. Main reasons for late presentation were lack of awareness, underestimation of severity, ignorance of primary care availability, and financial barriers. CONCLUSION: Delayed reporting after ocular trauma leads to poorer visual outcomes. Community counseling and awareness programs for patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers are essential. Promoting early reporting can substantially reduce preventable blindness due to ocular trauma. Data Access Statement: Research data supporting this publication are available from the NN repository located at www.NNN.org/download.