Ocular injuries caused by the explosion of 3000 pagers in Lebanon

A new study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has described the ocular injuries sustained in a mass casualty event in Lebanon in September 2024.

Clinicians from American University of Beirut Medical Center described the nature and extent of ocular injuries that were treated at the hospital following the detonation of 3000 pager devices across Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, approximately 2800 injuries were reported overall, including about 1850 in Beirut, 750 in southern Lebanon and 150 in the Bekaa Valley.

At the American University of Beirut Medical Center, more than half (55%) of the 177 patients who attended the emergency department following the mass casualty event had eye injuries.

The clinicians described the “unprecedented ocular trauma” that resulted from the explosions.

“The combination of thermal, chemical and penetrating trauma resulted in high rates of globe loss and poor visual outcomes,” they noted.

Of the 98 patients who experienced ocular trauma, 79 patients required surgery.

Severe globe trauma was identified in 111 eyes, including 61 eyes with open globe injuries and 50 with traumatic eviscerations.

“This study documents an unprecedented mechanism of ocular injury from pager detonations, showing exceptionally high rates of bilateral globe rupture, evisceration and intraocular foreign bodies, with poor visual outcomes,” the researchers shared.

The clinicians emphasised the need for enhanced procedures to support citizens in the event of another mass casualty event.

“Findings underscore the need for ophthalmic disaster preparedness, emphasising rapid imaging, specialised surgical teams and multidisciplinary coordination for future unconventional blast events,” the clinicians said.