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Self-inflicted ocular mutilation in the pediatric age group
I Ashkenazi1, E Shahar, N Brand
1Goldschleger Eye Institute, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Self-inflicted ocular injuries in children with intellectual disabilities can lead to severe vision loss. Early identification is crucial to prevent irreversible blindness from these rare but serious eye injuries.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-inflicted ocular injuries are rare but devastating, particularly in children with intellectual disabilities.
- These injuries can manifest as severe trauma, including retinal detachment, leading to significant visual impairment.
Observation:
- Presents three cases of children with intellectual disabilities experiencing severe self-inflicted ocular injuries.
- Observed progressive visual loss, retinal detachment, and potential blindness in affected children.
Findings:
- Self-enucleation and other severe eye mutilations are uncommon behaviors rarely diagnosed by pediatricians.
- Delayed diagnosis significantly increases the risk of ocular morbidity and irreversible vision loss.
Implications:
- While ophthalmology advances offer some treatment options, repairing destroyed retinal or nervous tissue remains a challenge.
- Emphasizes the critical need for early identification of at-risk children to prevent severe ocular damage and blindness.