Ocular injuries caused by Japanese black bears: a 10-year retrospective analysis of severity and clinical outcomes

The study examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eye injuries caused by Japanese black bear attacks at Fukushima Medical University Hospital over a ten-year period. Eight patients (mean age 66.6 years, seven men and one woman) with periocular injuries were included in the analysis. All patients sustained eyelid lacerations. Open globe injury was observed in four eyes (50%), all classified as rupture. Three ruptures were confirmed surgically and one was diagnosed based on clinical and CT findings. Three of the four ruptures (75%) occurred in mountainous areas. Half of the cases (4/8) occurred in the most recent two years (2024–2025). The results indicate a need for establishing regional management protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration.