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Open globe injuries in Nigerian children: epidemiological characteristics, etiological factors, and visual outcome
Cecilia O Ojabo1, Keziah N Malu1, Olasupo S Adeniyi2
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue, Nigeria.
Insights
Pediatric open globe injuries are common, especially in boys aged 6-10, often occurring at home or during play. Public health initiatives are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Open globe injuries represent a significant cause of vision loss in children.
- Understanding epidemiological patterns is vital for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of open globe injuries in Nigerian children.
- To identify etiological factors, injury types, visual outcomes, and prognostic indicators.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case study analyzing patient records from a Nigerian eye unit (2001-2006).
- Data collected on demographics, injury locale, injury type, and visual acuity.
- Statistical analysis performed with P < 0.05 indicating significance.
Main Results:
- 78 children (51 males, 27 females) were studied; mean age 9.7 years.
- Injuries most common in 6-10 year olds, occurring at home (54%) or during play (51%).
- Corneoscleral lacerations were most frequent; 38.5% visually impaired and 25.6% blind on presentation, with outcomes worsening at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Open globe injuries disproportionately affect young boys.
- Home and playground environments are high-risk settings for pediatric ocular trauma.
- Enhanced public health interventions are needed to prevent these injuries.
Purpose:
To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, the etiological factors, the type and severity of injury, visual outcome, and prognostic factors of open globe injuries in children.
Materials And Methods:
This was a retrospective non-comparative case study. A chart review was performed of patients aged 16 years or younger presented at the Eye Unit of the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, Nigeria, between January 2001 and December 2006. Data were collected on patient demographics, geographic locale of injury, type of ocular injury and vision. Statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05.
Results:
The study sample comprised 78 children. A statistically significantly greater number of males (n = 51) sustained injury compared to females (n = 27; P < 0.05). The mean age of the study sample was 9.7 ± 2.40 years (range, 1 year 2 months to 15 years 8 months). The age-group that sustained injury most commonly was 6 years to 10 years. Left eyes were more likely to be affected, accounting for 53 (68.0%) cases. There were 54% (n = 42) of patients injured at home and 51.0% (n = 40) were injured while playing. The most common injury was corneoscleral laceration, (67.9% [n = 24] eyes). Only 30.0% (n = 23) patients presented within the first 24 hours of the injury, 38.5% (n = 30) of patients were visually impaired and 25.6% (n = 20) patients were blind on presentation. Visual acuity at last follow up indicated that 39.7% (n = 31) patients were visually impaired and 39.7% (n = 31) were blind.
Conclusion:
More public health efforts should be geared towards preventing potential causes of ocular injury at home and at playgrounds.
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