Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Grossing of Non-neoplastic Globes, Including Fetal Eyes
Published on: May 30, 2025
Pediatric eye injuries treated in US emergency departments, 1990-2009
Katherine A Pollard1, Huiyun Xiang, Gary A Smith
1Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
Insights
Pediatric eye injuries from activities and products treated in US emergency departments decreased 17% from 1990-2009. Young children (<5 years) faced the highest risk, with most injuries occurring at home.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Pediatric eye injuries are a significant public health concern.
- Consumer products and activities contribute to a substantial number of eye injuries among children.
- Understanding injury trends and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of activity- and consumer product-related eye injuries in children younger than 18 years treated in US hospital emergency departments.
- To analyze trends in pediatric eye injuries from 1990 to 2009.
- To identify high-risk age groups and common causes of these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 1990 to 2009.
- Analyzed estimated numbers and rates of pediatric eye injuries.
- Examined injury causes, locations, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- An estimated 1,406,200 pediatric eye injuries occurred between 1990 and 2009, averaging 70,310 annually.
- The annual number of injuries showed a significant decline of 17% over the study period.
- Children aged 4 years and younger had the highest injury rate (11.31 per 10,000 population), and most injuries (69%) happened at home. Sports/recreation and chemicals were frequent causes.
Conclusions:
- Despite a declining trend, pediatric eye injuries remain a concern, particularly for young children.
- Home environment and specific activities like sports pose significant risks.
- Enhanced education for caregivers and children on home safety and protective eyewear is recommended to further reduce injury incidence.
Abstract:
This study investigates activity- and consumer product-related eye injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments among children <18 years old using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data from 1990 through 2009. An estimated 1,406,200 (95% confidence interval = 1,223,409-1,588,992) activity- and consumer product-related pediatric eye injuries occurred during the study period, averaging 70,310 annually. The annual number of injuries declined significantly by 17%. Patients ≤ 4 years of age accounted for 32% of all injuries and had the highest mean annual eye injury rate (11.31 per 10,000 population). Eye injuries associated with sports and recreation (24%) and chemicals (17%) occurred most frequently. The majority (69%) of eye injuries occurred at home. Opportunities exist to further decrease these injuries. Pediatricians should educate child caregivers and children about risks for eye injuries in the home and about use of appropriate protective eyewear during sports.
