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Pediatric Chemical and Thermal Ocular Injuries Requiring Hospitalization in South China
Bishan Tian1, Liangbo Zeng1, Lixia Lin1
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
Insights
Severe ocular injuries in South China disproportionately affect young, rural males. Initial vision, maternal education, and family income significantly impact final visual acuity (VA) in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe ocular chemical and thermal injuries pose a significant threat to visual health in children.
- Understanding the epidemiological and prognostic factors is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of severe ocular chemical or thermal injuries in pediatric patients in South China.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing final visual acuity (VA).
Main Methods:
- A five-year retrospective study of pediatric patients with severe ocular chemical or thermal injuries.
- Data analysis included demographics, injury details, treatment, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 105 children (121 eyes); injuries were common in preschool males from rural areas.
- A majority of eyes (78.9%) had poor final VA (<0.05).
- Initial VA, maternal education, and household income were significant predictors of final VA.
Conclusions:
- Final visual acuity is strongly linked to initial injury severity, maternal education, and socioeconomic status.
- Targeted public education and support for low-income, rural families are essential to mitigate these injuries.
Purpose:
To study the clinical characteristics of children with severe ocular chemical or thermal injuries in South China and evaluate prognostic factors affecting final visual acuity (VA).
Methods:
A five-year retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients who were first admitted to Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center with severe chemical or thermal ocular injuries. Data collected and analyzed comprised socioeconomic and socio-demographic data, details regarding their injury, subsequent treatment, and visual outcomes.
Results:
Of the 105 children (121 eyes), severe ocular chemical and thermal injuries in South China were prevalent in preschool children (n = 51, 58.1%), predominantly male (n = 82, 78.1%), and primarily children in rural areas (n = 98, 93.3%). Seventy-one eyes (78.9%) had a final VA <0.05, and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that initial VA after injury (OR = 0.47), the maternal education level (OR = 0.23), and monthly household income (OR = 0.31) were significantly associated with final VA.
Conclusion:
Final VA was associated with the initial VA, the maternal level of education, and family income; necessitating an increased provision of public education to children from low-income families, especially in rural areas.
