The epidemiology and etiology of pediatric ocular trauma

Joseph Abbott1, Peter Shah

  • 1Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London Partners, London, UK. abbottjoseph@yahoo.com

Survey of Ophthalmology
|August 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Millions suffer uniocular blindness from traumatic eye injuries annually. Most childhood eye trauma is preventable, with international literature identifying high-risk circumstances.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Worldwide, 18 million individuals experience uniocular blindness due to traumatic eye injuries.
  • Childhood ocular trauma is a significant concern, with 250,000 cases annually.
  • The majority of these injuries are preventable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the international literature on traumatic uniocular blindness.
  • To identify circumstances that place individuals, particularly children, at high risk for ocular trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of international literature.
  • Analysis of studies identifying risk factors for traumatic eye injuries.

Main Results:

  • Traumatic uniocular blindness affects millions globally.
  • Children are disproportionately affected by serious ocular trauma.
  • Preventable circumstances contribute to the majority of these injuries.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding high-risk situations is crucial for preventing traumatic uniocular blindness.
  • Targeted interventions in high-risk environments can reduce childhood eye injuries.
  • Public health strategies focusing on prevention are essential to mitigate the burden of traumatic eye injuries.

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