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Ocular injuries by elastic cords in children.
S Da Pozzo1, S Pensiero, P Perissutti
1Ophthalmology Unit, Children's Hospital, Trieste, Italy. dapozzo@onenet.it
Pediatrics
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Elastic cords can cause severe eye injuries in children, acting as high-speed projectiles. Prevention through design changes and education is crucial to protect children from permanent vision impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Public Health
Background:
- Elastic cords pose a significant risk of severe ocular damage and permanent vision impairment when striking the eye at high speeds.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms and circumstances of these injuries is vital for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, biomechanics, and severity of eye injuries resulting from elastic cords in pediatric patients.
- To inform the development of targeted preventive measures for elastic cord-related eye trauma.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of hospital admissions for ocular trauma in a pediatric ophthalmology unit between 1991 and 1997.
- Inclusion criteria focused on children with eye injuries specifically caused by elastic cords.
Main Results:
- Eight children met the criteria, representing 2% of pediatric trauma admissions.
- Injuries involved a combination of blunt force and high-speed projectile trauma.
- Younger children experienced injuries from misuse during play, while older children had injuries from car roof rack incidents; one child sustained permanent vision loss from retinal detachment.
Conclusions:
- Injury mechanisms differ between younger and older children, with older children's injuries mirroring adult patterns.
- Primary prevention is essential to minimize the prevalence and severity of elastic cord eye injuries.
- Recommendations include modifying hook designs, enhancing educational campaigns, and restricting children's access to elastic cords.