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Pediatric ocular trauma: a retrospective survey
M A Cascairo1, M L Mazow, T C Prager
1Houston Eye Associates, TX 77025.
Insights
Pediatric eye injuries are common, with males predominating. Penetrating injuries often lead to poor vision, highlighting the need for better adult supervision to prevent severe visual deficits.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric ocular trauma represents a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Understanding risk factors and trends is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for pediatric ocular injuries.
- To determine causes of severe visual impairment in pediatric trauma patients.
- To analyze trends and preventable causes of eye injuries in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, cross-sectional survey of pediatric trauma cases (age ≤15 years).
- Data collected from ophthalmology department records from January 1986 to December 1991.
- Inclusion of 504 pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- Male patients constituted the majority of cases.
- Penetrating eye injuries were associated with significantly poorer visual outcomes.
- A substantial proportion of severe visual deficits were linked to inadequate adult supervision.
Conclusions:
- Male gender is a risk factor for pediatric ocular trauma.
- Prompt and appropriate management is critical for eyes with penetrating injuries.
- Enhanced adult supervision can prevent many severe pediatric eye injuries and subsequent visual impairment.
Abstract:
A retrospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted of all pediatric trauma cases seen by the ophthalmology department at our institution from January 1986 to December 1991. The study included 504 patients who were 15 years old or younger. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for ocular injury, especially injury resulting in severe visual impairment, and to identify trends and preventable causes. Our results were consistent with the findings of other similar studies: male patients predominated, penetrating injuries resulted in poor visual outcomes, and many of the causes of severe visual deficit were preventable with more adequate adult supervision.