Pediatric ocular trauma in Taiwan.

Background: Ocular trauma is a significant problem in pediatric patients. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the demographic, etiologic and prophylactic factors of pediatric ocular trauma in a tertiary center in northern Taiwan.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical charts of patients aged 15 years or younger who visited the emergency department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan for ocular trauma between July 2003 and June 2004 was undertaken.

Results: Of the 228 children in this study, ocular trauma occurred more frequently in boys than in girls (151:77 patients, p < 0.0001). Twenty-one patients (9.2%) presented with bilateral trauma. The most common ocular injury was closed globe injury (178 patients, 78.1%). The next most common ocular injuries were burns (35 patients, 15.4%), open globe injuries (8 patients, 3.5%) and orbital injuries (7 patients, 3.1%). Falling was the most common cause of ocular trauma in these children, followed by trauma caused by a fist or other part of the body. Sharp objects such as knives or scissors were the most common cause of open globe injuries. Visual impairment (visual acuity less than 20/50) occurred in three open globe injury patients.

Conclusions: Ocular trauma in children is associated with visual loss. Many of the cases were preventable. Public education, general awareness and aggressive primary management may be indicated to optimize visual outcome.