Pediatric Eye Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments, 1990-2009

Abstract

This study investigates activity- and consumer product-related eye injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments among children <18 years old using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data from 1990 through 2009. An estimated 1,406,200 (95% confidence interval = 1,223,409-1,588,992) activity- and consumer product-related pediatric eye injuries occurred during the study period, averaging 70,310 annually. The annual number of injuries declined significantly by 17%. Patients ≤ 4 years of age accounted for 32% of all injuries and had the highest mean annual eye injury rate (11.31 per 10,000 population). Eye injuries associated with sports and recreation (24%) and chemicals (17%) occurred most frequently. The majority (69%) of eye injuries occurred at home. Opportunities exist to further decrease these injuries. Pediatricians should educate child caregivers and children about risks for eye injuries in the home and about use of appropriate protective eyewear during sports.