Hand-Held Umbrellas As A Cause Of Ophthalmic Trauma: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis Of Ocular Injuries In A United Kingdom Tertiary Care Centre
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR428 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/p8ht-tm56
Authors: Mr Saeed Azizi* 1 , Mr Gordon Hay 2 , Mr Paul Sullivan 2
1External Diseases,Moorfields Eye Hospital,London,United Kingdom, 2Accident & Emergency,Moorfields Eye Hospital,London,United Kingdom
Purpose
Ocular trauma from everyday consumer products is under-recognised despite potential for serious morbidity. We observed recurring eye injuries related to hand-held umbrella use. This study aimed to quantify umbrella-related ocular trauma over five years and characterise the spectrum, mechanisms, and clinical outcomes in a United Kingdom tertiary care setting within London.
Setting
Retrospective audit at a UK NHS secondary care ophthalmology department, reviewing emergency and outpatient presentations from August 2019 to August 2024.
Methods
Electronic medical records from August 2019 to August 2024 were screened using the keyword “umbrella” to identify trauma-related presentations. Data on patient demographics, injury mechanism, clinical findings, management, and complications were extracted. Descriptive statistics summarised injury patterns, severity, and outcomes to provide a comprehensive overview of umbrella-associated ocular trauma.
Results
Thirty-three patients sustained umbrella-related ocular injuries. Corneal abrasions occurred in 29 patients, with two progressing to recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. Three patients developed isolated traumatic uveitis. One required complex lid and canalicular repair, and one sustained traumatic hyphaema with vitreous haemorrhage. Injuries primarily resulted from sudden forceful deployment, inadvertent contact with tips or ribs, or unexpected opening triggered by single-button mechanisms, highlighting preventable causes of trauma.
Conclusions
Hand-held umbrellas are an under-recognised source of preventable ocular trauma. Most injuries were superficial, but significant complications—including RCES, traumatic uveitis, lid/canalicular laceration, and intraocular haemorrhage—were observed. Minimal regulation exists regarding tip design or deployment force. Public education and engagement with manufacturers may reduce these avoidable injuries and improve ocular safety.