Paediatric Ocular Trauma: A Population Based Study on Ocular Morbidity in Children and Prevention of Monocular Blindness in Cases Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Background: Ocular trauma especially in children is an unpleasant occurrence. A protocol for timely presenting the patient before the nearest available physician or ophthalmologist and rapid evaluation of severity along with indispensible clinical management must be followed at all levels of healthcare. The aim of the study is to evaluate the causes and management of blunt ocular trauma in children and prevention of monocular blindness in a rural area in Bihar. Design of the study – A tertiary centre based retrospective and observational study. Methods: Children up to the age of fifteen years who presented with ocular trauma between September 2014 and February 2016 to the outdoor clinic of Department of Ophthalmology or any of the primary health centres of Katihar Medical College were undertaken for this study. Results: A total number of 212 children presented with ocular trauma. The minimum age at presentation was 1 year while the maximum was at 14 years and 9 months. Out of 212 cases, 159 (75%) were males and 53 (25%) were females. Blunt mode of ocular trauma was observed in 180 (85%) cases and was more common than penetrating mode of ocular trauma which was observed in 32 (15%) cases. Among the cases with blunt trauma, 132 (63%) received conservative treatment with weekly follow up for visual acuity. The remaining 80 (27%) underwent surgery. Post trauma the two most common complaints of visual impairment were compression of the globe in 30 (14%) cases followed by of corneal opacity in 19 (9%) cases. Conclusion: Ocular trauma in general particularly in children of is alarming. Majority of presenting cases are boys. There is a need for creating awareness among family members and school teachers. Emphasis must be laid on seeking quality treatment within shortest possible time. improved health care facilities should be provided at the primary health care levels.