Pattern of Paediatric Ocular Trauma in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

Pattern of Paediatric Ocular Trauma

Abstract

Background: The most common cause of uniocular blindness in paediatric age group is ocular trauma. Even then, they do not receive the attention that they deserve. Eye injuries account for approximately 814% of total injuries in children. Next to amblyopia, ocular injuries are the main reason for preventable monocular vision loss in childhood. The etiology of trauma in children and adults is different; in children, it is more of accidental, but in adults, it is violence. Subjects and Methods: Patients below 17 years of age who came to our casualty and OPD during a period of 6 months from December 2014-May 2015 were enrolled in this study. We determined the initial visual acuity in all patients, examined the globe and its adnexa, performed slit lamp examination and direct ophthalmoscopic examination (if possible) and also recorded the age, sex, type of activity at the time of injury. Results: Majority of patients were within 6-10 years of age group. Most of the trauma occurred in schools, commonly seen in boys than girls and blunt trauma was seen more than penetrating trauma. The main presenting problems were   eyelid swelling and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Overall, closed globe injuries were seen more frequently than open globe injuries. Conclusion: Ocular injuries lead to diminution of vision, cosmetic blemish and morbidity. The most important aspect of pediatric trauma is prevention. Education regarding masterly watchful inactivity, supervised play and road safety measures is critical. Parents,elders, teachers, caretakers, as well as the media have an important role to play in prevention of injuries in children.