EC Ophthalmology

Background: The Gaza War significantly disrupted healthcare services, particularly trauma care. Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) injuries are among the most severe ocular traumas, often resulting in vision loss if not managed promptly. This study aimed to assess the impact of the Gaza War on the clinical management, complications, and outcomes of IOFB injuries in major healthcare facilities within the Gaza Strip.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Nasr Ophthalmology Hospital, Nasser Medical Complex, Shifa Medical Complex, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and Al-Quds Hospital, involving 420 patients with IOFB injuries sustained during the Gaza War. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from medical records and interviews with healthcare professionals. A structured data extraction form captured patient demographics, injury mechanisms, clinical features, management details, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 23 to analyze associations between variables, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 420 patients, 80.7% were male, and the mean age was 33.1 ± 11.9 years. Explosion-related trauma accounted for 43.8% of injuries. Posterior segment involvement was found in 67.9% of cases. Only 2.1% underwent IOFB removal within 24 hours. Endophthalmitis occurred in 3% of patients, predominantly caused by Gram-negative organisms. Visual outcomes were poor in 62.4% of cases. Statistically significant associations were observed between poor visual outcome and delayed IOFB removal (p < 0.001), presence of endophthalmitis (p < 0.001), large wound size (p = 0.008), and comorbidities (p = 0.015).

Conclusion: The Gaza War had a substantial negative impact on IOFB management, leading to delays in surgical intervention and high rates of visual disability and infectious complications. Timely intervention, resource allocation, and system-level preparedness are crucial for improving outcomes in conflict-related ocular trauma.

 Keywords: Intraocular Foreign Body; Ocular Trauma; Gaza War; Endophthalmitis; Conflict Healthcare

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