Ocular Trauma Patterns in the Middle East and North Africa: A Scoping Review with Emphasis on Iraq
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71079/ASIDE.HS.042826665Abstract
Background: Ocular injury is one of the leading causes of preventable monocular blindness globally. These injuries have multiple etiologies, with socioeconomic factors and geopolitical instability as the main drivers. A unique combination of these factors can be seen in the MENA region.
Methods: This scoping review used a structured analysis of published research. We searched PubMed and Scopus (2004–2025) using terms for ocular trauma and MENA countries. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts against predefined inclusion criteria that accepted original research, reviews, and case series; a third reviewer resolved disagreements. Data were extracted using a standardized form and synthesized descriptively. No formal quality appraisal was performed.
Results: The search identified 918 records, of which 25 were included. Etiological patterns differed markedly across countries. In Iraq, conflict-related mechanisms (blasts, bullets) dominated in military cohorts, alongside civilian motorcycle accidents. In other MENA countries, road traffic accidents and occupational injuries were more frequently reported. Management challenges in Iraq were compounded by limited primary eye care infrastructure and high rates of enucleation. Pediatric trauma was also a major concern. Population‑based civilian data from conflict‑affected settings remain scarce.
Conclusion: Ocular trauma is a major health issue in Iraq, with patterns suggesting an association with decades of conflict. However, population‑based comparative data are very limited. This scoping review highlights evidence gaps, particularly the scarcity of population-based civilian data from conflict-affected settings.
Keywords:
Ocular Trauma, War Injuries, Blindness, MENA, Iraq, Scoping ReviewReferences
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Data Availability Statement
No new primary data were generated in this scoping review. All data synthesized in this article were derived from previously published studies identified through PubMed and Scopus searches and from the sources cited in the reference list.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Elaf Falih Abbas, Mohammed Mousa Imran, Mustafa Yahya Saleh, Huda Omran
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Article history
- Received
- 14 Mar 2026
- Received in revised form
- 18 Apr 2026
- Accepted
- 26 Apr 2026
- Published
- 28 Apr 2026
