Epidemiology of Pediatric Eye Injury in Split-Dalmatia County

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the etiological factors and circumstances associated with the occurrence of eye injuries in children in Split-Dalmatia County, and to assess the visual outcomes of such injuries. Methods: All 106 cases of pediatric eye trauma presenting to the Clinical Hospital Split, during a 4-year period, were identified by a medical record search. Results: The annual calculated incidence of serious eye injuries in pediatric patients of Split-Dalmatia County that required hospitalization was 22.5 per 100,000 in the underage population. The most common causes of ocular injury were blunt objects and missiles, which mostly caused contusions and lamellar lacerations, and sharp objects, which mostly caused penetrating eye injury. In 99 (90.83%) eyes, the injuries were mechanical. Open globe injuries were significantly severer than closed globe injuries. Final visual acuity was better than upon admission in 78.10% of cases. The annual incidence of pediatric monocular blindness in Split-Dalmatia County was 0.63 per 100,000 in the underage population. Conclusions: Eye trauma in children occurs most frequently outdoors and generally results from the use of blunt objects. Prevention of ocular injury requires greater education of both children and their parents and adult supervision of children, especially while at play.