Clinical pattern of pediatric ocular trauma in fast developing country

BackgroundOcular trauma is a significant problem in pediatric patients. Also, leads to visual loss throughout the world there are no data of pediatric ocular trauma in Arabian Gulf Countries in the current literature.AimTo study the epidemiology, mechanism, causes and outcome of serious ocular trauma requiring hospital admission, in children below 16 years of age.Study designA retrospective cohort study.SubjectsAll pediatric patients (up to 16 years of age) presenting with ocular injuries to a tertiary care pediatric ophthalmology and Pediatric Accident Emergency Department 1 January 2005 to 30 December 2009.MethodsEach file was studied to find out the demographic data, mechanism and cause of injury. The definitions and classifications of ocular trauma in our study were modified from the Ocular Trauma Classification Group guidelines and Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology Presenting and final visual acuity were recorded along with details of anterior and posterior segment evaluation.ResultsHundred and six files of the children admitted to ophthalmology ward with the diagnosis of ocular trauma between 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Majority were boys (77.4%). The mean age at admission was 6.63 years. A higher incidence of ocular trauma was noted in children above 5 years than those below (58.5%). Most number of trauma occurred at home (42.5%, n = 45) followed by street (35.8% n = 34), school (12.3%, n = 13), sporting area (5.7%, n = 6). Also, eight patients (8.5%) involved in Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). Closed globe injury occurred more frequently than open globe injury (59.4% vs. 40.6%). Initial visual acuity was more than 6/60 in (55.6%) patients of closed globe while in open globe injury was (37.3%). Final visual acuity was more than 6/18 in (82.5%) patients of closed globe injury group and in (63%) patients of open globe injury group. Severe impairment of vision was found in (11.6%) and blindness (4.7%) only in open globe injury group.ConclusionMost eye injuries in children are preventable so this reflects the importance of health education, adult supervision and application of appropriate measures that is necessary for reducing the incidence and severity of trauma.