SUMMARY
The aim. The study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of ocular injuries, first-aid skills, and differences in knowledge related to refractive surgery and postoperative care among representatives of various military contingents. Material and methods. A total of 450 respondents were included in the study, of whom 205 had received military medical training, while 245 had not undergone training in this field. The mean age of the participants was 25.9 and 25.0 years, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Quantitative variables were evaluated using Student’s t-test, while categorical variables were assessed using Pearson’s χ² test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The analysis demonstrated that individuals with military medical training provided significantly more correct responses across all sections relating to penetrating, contusion-related, thermal, chemical, and photochemical ocular injuries (p<0.001). By contrast, the proportion of incorrect and potentially harmful responses was markedly higher among participants without military medical training. While 71.2% of respondents with military medical training had obtained this information through formal education and specialized courses, the remaining participants predominantly relied on general information sources. Conclusion. Improving educational programmes, introducing simulation-based training, and expanding awareness-raising activities may help reduce the risk of ocular injuries among military personnel and enhance their combat readiness and medical safety.
Keywords: ocular injuries, military personnel, military medical training, first aid, level of awareness, refractive surgery

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