Clinical Study of Pediatric Ocular Injury Patients Visiting an Emergency Medical Center

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Ocular injury is a significant problem in pediatric patients. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinical characteristics of pediatric eye injury for the purpose of offering preventive strategies. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out by evaluating the records of patients under the age of 15 years who were treated for ocular injury at the Kyungpook National University Hospital emergency medical center, from January 2003 to December 2008. A total of 477 patients were included in the study. Age, sex, date of injury, location where injury occurred, cause of injury, diagnosis, any effects on visual acuity, and any complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: Ocular injury occurred more frequently in boys (72.3%) than in girls, and the highest incidence was seen in ages 11 to 15 years (37.3%). Ocular injury frequently occurred in the home or at school. The most common cause of injury was due to instruments (51.6%). Surgery was necessary in 71 patients (14.9%), complication developed in 48 patients (10.1%), and 40 patients (8.4%) suffered from decreased visual acuity. CONCLUSION: It's important to monitor boys, in particular, who are engaged in physical activities in the home and at school. Appropriate education and application of personal protective equipment are important methods to aid in prevention of pediatric ocular trauma, especially with children in the home and with adolescents engaged in sporting activities.