Pattern of Eye Injuries Among Motorcycle Riders in Kano Metropolis

Motorcycle transportation is a dominant form of mobility in northern Nigerian cities, yet the occupational and safety risks associated with riding, particularly to ocular health, remain underexamined. This study documents the pattern and determinants of eye injuries among commercial motorcycle riders (okada operators) in Kano Metropolis, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study will be conducted among 400 commercial motorcycle operators recruited from major motor parks and traffic intersections across three districts in Kano. Data collection will involve a structured interview guide to capture riding habits, use of protective gear, history of eye injuries, and health-seeking behavior, supplemented by basic external ocular examination. Injury patterns will be classified using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) system. Findings are expected to reveal high rates of conjunctival and corneal injuries linked to dust, insects, and road debris, with low rates of helmet and protective eyewear use. The study will compute frequencies, odds ratios, and conduct binary logistic regression to identify significant injury predictors. Results will be submitted to the Kano State Road Safety Commission and presented at national optometry conferences. This research adds to the occupational eye health literature for motorcycle-dependent populations in the North West and provides a foundation for public safety policy targeting riders across Nigeria's urban centers. Keywords: eye injuries, motorcycle riders, Kano, occupational hazards, protective eyewear