A comparison of the IED-related eye injury rate in ANSF and ISAF forces at the UK R3 Hospital, Camp Bastion, 2013.

Sir, we would like to draw attention to an observed differential rate of eye injury between International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) troops in Afghanistan. Until recently, most conflicts had seen an increased rate of fragment-related penetrating eye injury secondary to the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 2 Even within armoured vehicles, their blast spalls paint and significantly energises dust and small objects. In published military series, 20% of these injuries have been bilateral and overall have had a worse prognosis than civilian injuries. 4 Issued Combat Eye Protection (CEP) which offers significant eye cover has now been developed for ISAF personnel. This CEP wear (goggles or frames) is mandatory for all ISAF troops. Eye protection is,