Epidemiology and visual outcome in open globe injuries in children

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Author Details : Mary Esther John B, Deepa John, Padma Paul, Renu S. Raju

Volume : 1, Issue : 1, Year : 2015

Article Page : 1-7

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Abstract

Background: Ocular trauma is one of the most important causes of unilateral vision loss in children. Children are more susceptible to eye injuries due to their increased physical activity. Visual impairment in children is of great significance due to risk of amblyopia.

Aims:

a)       To study proportion of open globe injuries among patients less than 18 years of age presenting to Ophthalmology department

b)       To study proportion of various types of penetrating ocular injuries

c)       To determine factors influencing visual outcome

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, T.N., India.
Methods: Observational study which included retrospective chart review for 4 years and prospective study for 6 months. All children at or below 18 years of age with open globe injury were included.
Results: Boys in age group 5-14 years were injured most. Wooden stick injury is the most common mode of injury. Indoor injuries were more common. Visual outcome at 6 months follow up: 44.5% had better than 6/18, 25.1% had 6/18 to 3/60 and 30.3% had poor vision of <3/60. Our study shows significant association between poor vision & blindness and corneal tear involving visual axis (50/156, p=0.001), presence of RAPD (42/156, p=0.000) and presence of IOFB (24/156, p=0.034).
Conclusion: Our study showed 30.3% of children with open globe injuries resulted in poor vision and blindness. Childhood ocular trauma can result in amblyopia. Good awareness about prevention should be attained by health education.

Keywords: Open globe injuries, Pediatric eye trauma, Visual outcome

How to cite : Mary Esther John B, John D, Paul P, Raju R S, Epidemiology and visual outcome in open globe injuries in children. IP Int J Ocul Oncol Oculoplasty 2015;1(1):1-7

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