The Risk and Protective Factors for Pediatric Eye Injuries: A Case-Crossover Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood eye injuries represent a significant public health concern.
• Identifying risk and protective factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate state- and trait-like risk factors for childhood eye injuries.
• To identify protective and risk factors by analyzing socioeconomic, environmental, behavioral, and injury event characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-crossover study was conducted with patients aged 0-18 years treated for severe eye trauma.
• Data included injury event time points and control time points (1 month before injury and 1 month before survey).
• Generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression and a quasi-likelihood approach were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis revealed significant odds of eye injury associated with unusual activities (OR=17.25), working/chores (OR=6.60), high activity levels (OR=5.26), lack of supervision (OR=2.63), and <7 hours of sleep (OR=4.69).
• The best predictive model indicated increased odds of eye injury with engaging in unusual activity, working in households, and playing, while supervision by an adult showed a protective effect.
• Key predictors for eye injury included unusual activity, household working, and playing, with adult supervision acting as a protective factor.

Conclusions:

• A preventive triad of education, environmental modification, and vigilant supervision is recommended for childhood eye injury prevention.
• These combined strategies require further exploration and implementation in practice to reduce the incidence of pediatric eye trauma.