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Pediatric ocular trauma in Taiwan
Ching-Hsing Lee1, Wan-Ya Su, Lan Lee
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
Pediatric ocular trauma, often caused by falls and sharp objects, can lead to visual impairment. Many injuries are preventable through public education and awareness campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Public Health
Background:
- Ocular trauma presents a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding demographic, etiologic, and prophylactic factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate demographic, etiologic, and prophylactic factors of pediatric ocular trauma.
- To assess the outcomes of ocular trauma in children treated at a tertiary care center.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical charts.
- Inclusion criteria: patients aged 15 or younger with ocular trauma.
- Study period: July 2003 to June 2004 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan.
Main Results:
- 228 children studied; boys more affected than girls (151:77).
- Closed globe injury (78.1%) was most common, followed by burns (15.4%).
- Falls were the leading cause; sharp objects caused open globe injuries, leading to visual impairment in 3 patients.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric ocular trauma is linked to visual loss.
- A significant proportion of these injuries are preventable.
- Public education, awareness, and prompt management are vital for optimal visual outcomes.
Background:
Ocular trauma is a significant problem in pediatric patients. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the demographic, etiologic and prophylactic factors of pediatric ocular trauma in a tertiary center in northern Taiwan.
Methods:
A retrospective review of medical charts of patients aged 15 years or younger who visited the emergency department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan for ocular trauma between July 2003 and June 2004 was undertaken.
Results:
Of the 228 children in this study, ocular trauma occurred more frequently in boys than in girls (151:77 patients, p < 0.0001). Twenty-one patients (9.2%) presented with bilateral trauma. The most common ocular injury was closed globe injury (178 patients, 78.1%). The next most common ocular injuries were burns (35 patients, 15.4%), open globe injuries (8 patients, 3.5%) and orbital injuries (7 patients, 3.1%). Falling was the most common cause of ocular trauma in these children, followed by trauma caused by a fist or other part of the body. Sharp objects such as knives or scissors were the most common cause of open globe injuries. Visual impairment (visual acuity less than 20/50) occurred in three open globe injury patients.
Conclusions:
Ocular trauma in children is associated with visual loss. Many of the cases were preventable. Public education, general awareness and aggressive primary management may be indicated to optimize visual outcome.
