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Pediatric ocular trauma--a clinical presentation

S Dasgupta1, R Mukherjee, D S Ladi

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. R. N. Cooper Hospital, Juhu, Vileparle, Bombay, Maharashtra.

Insights

Pediatric ocular injuries are common, with pointed objects like sticks and arrows causing severe eye trauma in children. Increased parental supervision is crucial to prevent these sight-threatening injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Childhood ocular injuries represent a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding causative agents and injury patterns is vital for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of ocular injuries in children under 15 years.
  • To identify common causes, injury types, and visual outcomes.
  • To emphasize the need for enhanced parental awareness and supervision.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, year-long study conducted in a general hospital's Ophthalmology Department.
  • Inclusion of 44 pediatric patients (below 15 years) with ocular trauma.
  • Data collection on age, gender, causative agents, injury severity, and visual acuity.

Main Results:

  • The 6-10 year age group accounted for 45.45% of cases.
  • A male-to-female ratio of 5.28:1 was observed.
  • Pointed objects (sticks, wires) were primary causes, with a rising trend in bow and arrow injuries.
  • Ocular perforation occurred in 28 cases, with 7 patients experiencing absent light perception.
  • Only 12 patients achieved visual acuity better than 6/18 post-trauma.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood ocular injuries, particularly perforations, often lead to poor visual outcomes.
  • The study highlights the prevalence of injuries from common objects and emerging threats like bow and arrow incidents.
  • Enhanced parental awareness and diligent supervision are strongly recommended to mitigate the incidence of pediatric eye trauma.

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