Traumatic Cataract in Children in Eastern China: Shanghai Pediatric Cataract Study

Traumatic cataract is a main cause of visual impairment in pediatric populations and is preventable. Awareness of the causes and consequences of pediatric eye trauma play roles in health education and prevention of blindness. We conducted a retrospective chart review based on 5-year clinical data of pediatric traumatic cataract cases treated at the Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Clinical features including demographic data, injury mechanism, and causative agents were analyzed. A total of 321 eyes of 321 children (male, 74.1%) were included. Penetrating injury accounted for 76.6% of all injuries; 65% of children with such injuries underwent their first surgery on the day of injury. The average age at injury was 6.3 ± 3.7 years, while the peak age was from two to eight years. The main causes of ocular injury were sharp metal objects, toys, and wooden sticks. The causative agent changed with increasing age; however, scissors were the leading cause within almost all age groups. Cataract surgery significantly improved visual acuity in children with traumatic cataract. These findings add information regarding the characterization of pediatric traumatic cataract in China and can help guide safety education and preventative measures.