Dr. Abhisek Mondal, Dr. Nilanjan Kaushik Thakur, Dr. Vikash Sharma, Dr. Praveer Kumar Srivastava
Introduction: Ocular injuries are either accidental or homicidal so they may be associated with legal problems.
Methods and Materials: All patients with eye injuries were assessed by an ophthalmologist. Data on demographic profile, type and source of injury of the patients, clinical presentation and visual profile were documented. Treatment was given accordingly and followed up.
Results and Observations: 1192 (1.36%) cases were of medico legal importance. Males (88%) predominated with Physical assault (47%) being the main reason.43% were in the 18-40 age group. Place of injury was mainly Roads and highways (49%). Monocular involvement was 82% and closed globe injury was 84%. 56% patients presented with a visual acuity of <6/18. 73% of the patients were treated non-surgically.
Conclusion: Proper documentation, through examination including investigations and referrals, etc. are necessary for safely handling MLCs and averting legal action against a doctor for negligence.