Characteristics of ocular nail glue exposures reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000–2019

Epidemiology of Consumer-Product-Related Ocular Injuries in the Geriatric Population in the United States

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess trends in consumer-product-related geriatric ocular injuries using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data. Understanding the specific consumer products and settings coded in the NEISS dictionary that contribute to geriatric (≥ 65 years) ocular injuries, along with changing patterns during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, provides crucial insights for tailoring therapy and preventative strategies. This ultimately may reduce the burden of eye injuries on both older adults and healthcare systems.

METHODS

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study. The NEISS database was used to study eye injuries in geriatric adults from 2010 to 2021. Patients were categorized by age groups (65-74, 75-84, 85-94,  ≥ 95 years), and data on demographics, injury types, product categories, and COVID-19 impact were collected. Pearson's chi-squared test (with p < 0.001 taken to indicate significance) was used to assess differences in expected ratios between age groups.

RESULTS

A total of 168,685 eye injury cases in adults aged 65 years and older were analyzed. Household items, tools, and gardening products accounted for over 75% of injuries. Most injuries occurred at home (65.3%). Contusions/abrasions (40.3%) and a foreign body (19.3%) were common diagnoses. Females had more household-item-related injuries, while males had more foreign body injuries. Regarding therapeutic disposition, 93.7% of all injuries were treated/examined and released, which showed a decreasing trend as age increased, while hospital admission/transfer rates increased with age. Compared to before COVID-19, the percentage of injuries during COVID-19 due to tools decreased (from 22.5% to 18.3%), while injuries due to gardening/lawn/landscaping/patio products increased (from 13.8% to 15.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study characterizes geriatric ocular injuries and COVID-19 impact, highlighting common products and locations. Different age groups showed different injury patterns. Understanding these trends can aid injury prevention strategies for consumers and healthcare providers. Demographics and injury frequencies differed based on age and sex. Future research should further explore post-COVID-19 trends.

Pediatric Glue-Related Injuries in U.S. Emergency Departments: A 10-Year Overview

Slime's increasing popularity has caused children to be more frequently exposed to glue. There is no comprehensive literature describing pediatric glue-related injuries. This study's purpose is to characterize pediatric glue-related injuries presented to U.S. emergency departments (EDs). We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for pediatric glue-related injuries from 2009 to 2018. Data were abstracted from discrete and case narrative data. Odds ratios were calculated to determine age-related differences in injuries. An estimated 18,126 pediatric patients were treated in U.S. EDs for glue-related injuries. Injury incidence increased over time. The most frequently injured body part was the eye, and the most common diagnosis was foreign body without documented sequelae. The most common injury mechanism was unintentional splash/squirt/explosion. Younger children were more likely to accidentally ingest glue; older children were more likely to sustain burns. Preventive efforts should focus on personal protective equipment, proper storage/labeling, and supervision of use.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products-Related Ocular Exposures Reported to United States Poison Control Centers

PURPOSE

To study cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures from 2000 through 2018 was conducted using data from the National Poison Data System.

RESULTS

From January 2000 through December 2018, United States Poison Control Centers received 266,743 calls concerning eye exposures to cosmetics and personal care products, corresponding to a mean of 14,039 calls per year. Young children (<6 years old) represented 51.6% of exposures, while older children and teenagers (6-19 years old) and adults (≥ 20 years old) represented 19.5% and 28.9% of exposures, respectively. Over the study period, the annual frequency of exposures decreased by 46.0%. The product subcategories associated with the highest proportion of exposures were perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves (19.0%), suntan and/or sunscreen products (11.2%), nail polishes (9.5%), soaps (6.3%), and creams, lotions, and make-up (5.8%). The product subcategories associated with the greatest proportion of moderate or major medical outcomes were acrylic nail adhesives (14.4%), miscellaneous nail products (12.9%), other hair care products excluding peroxides (10.9%), hair coloring agents excluding peroxides (8.9%), and peroxides (7.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the annual frequency of exposures to cosmetics and personal care products declined during the study period, public health efforts are needed to prevent further ocular exposures to these products. Containers of potentially ocular-toxic products should be redesigned to reduce confusion with eye dropper bottles and to reduce attractiveness to young children, with immediate priority placed on acrylic nail adhesives.