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Epidemiology of pediatric eye injury in Split-Dalmatia County
Ksenija Karaman1, Ljubo Znaor, Venera Lakos
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Split, Split, Croatia.
Insights
Pediatric eye injuries in Split-Dalmatia County are often caused by blunt objects during outdoor play. Prevention requires increased education and supervision to reduce serious eye trauma and blindness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Public Health
Background:
- Eye injuries represent a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Understanding the specific etiological factors and circumstances is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes and circumstances of pediatric eye injuries in Split-Dalmatia County.
- To evaluate the visual outcomes following pediatric ocular trauma.
- To calculate the incidence of serious eye injuries and monocular blindness in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 106 pediatric eye trauma cases at Clinical Hospital Split over four years.
- Data collection included injury mechanisms, types, and visual acuities upon admission and at final follow-up.
Main Results:
- The incidence of serious pediatric eye injuries requiring hospitalization was 22.5 per 100,000 children annually.
- Blunt objects and missiles were the most common causes, leading to contusions and lacerations; sharp objects caused penetrating injuries.
- Open globe injuries were more severe than closed globe injuries, with 78.10% of patients showing improved visual acuity post-treatment. The annual incidence of pediatric monocular blindness was 0.63 per 100,000.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric eye trauma frequently occurs outdoors, primarily due to blunt objects during play.
- Enhanced child and parental education, alongside vigilant adult supervision, is essential for preventing ocular injuries.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to assess the etiological factors and circumstances associated with the occurrence of eye injuries in children in Split-Dalmatia County, and to assess the visual outcomes of such injuries.
Methods:
All 106 cases of pediatric eye trauma presenting to the Clinical Hospital Split, during a 4-year period, were identified by a medical record search.
Results:
The annual calculated incidence of serious eye injuries in pediatric patients of Split-Dalmatia County that required hospitalization was 22.5 per 100,000 in the underage population. The most common causes of ocular injury were blunt objects and missiles, which mostly caused contusions and lamellar lacerations, and sharp objects, which mostly caused penetrating eye injury. In 99 (90.83%) eyes, the injuries were mechanical. Open globe injuries were significantly severer than closed globe injuries. Final visual acuity was better than upon admission in 78.10% of cases. The annual incidence of pediatric monocular blindness in Split-Dalmatia County was 0.63 per 100,000 in the underage population.
Conclusions:
Eye trauma in children occurs most frequently outdoors and generally results from the use of blunt objects. Prevention of ocular injury requires greater education of both children and their parents and adult supervision of children, especially while at play.
