A nationwide study of patients hospitalized for ocular injuries was conducted in Israel during the years 1981 through 1983, with the participation of 17 ophthalmic departments. The study comprised 2276 patients (2416 eyes), 47% of whom were children. The male-female ratio was 4.3:1. Bilateral injuries occurred in 140 patients, with children sustaining the most severe injuries. Ocular injuries occurred most frequently at home, and children at play were most vulnerable. Most patients retained good vision, 3.7% lost vision totally, and 2% of the eyes had to be enucleated.