Mechanical eye injuries in children aged 0-15 years treated at the clinic of eye diseases in Belgrade: frequency, causes and preventive measures.

Introduction: Eye injuries represent a significant problem in children.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and causes of the eye injury and to propose measures of the eye injury prevention in children up to 15 years of age.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 552 children with the eye injuries treated at the Clinic of Eye Diseases in Belgrade during the period March 1999 to February 2010. Gender and age of the children, time of injury, the type and site of injuries, visual acuity upon admission and at discharge, as well as the time of surgery in relation to time of injury were analysed.

Results: The ratio between the injured boys and girls was 3.6:1.The highest percentage of injured children was in the group 6-10 years old (39.7%); the injuries were almost evenly distributed according to months during the year and days during the week. The percentages of severe closed and open injuries of the eyeball were almost equal. Visual acuity upon discharge and subsequent follow-up examinations were significantly improved after the applied treatment in comparison with the visual acuity upon admission.

Conclusion: Eye injuries in children still represent a severe health problem. Regarding the youngest age group of children, adults are mainly responsible for these injuries due to their lack of attention, while in older children these injuries are the result of the production and distribution of inappropriate toys and a failure to implement the legal traffic regulations applicable to children.The prevention of eye injuries is essential.