Trends in elasticated strap‐related injuries from Melbourne, Australia, 2007–2018

To the Editor: Elasticated straps — also known as “octopus” straps or bungee cords — are used to secure loads of various shapes and sizes. Unexpected release of the potential energy stored in these straps can cause catastrophic injuries. The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) is the largest eye hospital in Australia and is well positioned to assess and treat a variety of ocular injuries. We explored trends in presentations to the RVEEH emergency department (ED) for such injuries between 2007 and 2018, using the ED triage database and information relating to total numbers of ocular trauma presentations. This study was approved by the RVEEH Ethics Committee (09/886H).