Оpen globe injury in children: epidemiology and predictors of an adverse outcome

Abstract

Here we aimed to analyse the prevalence, clinical  course, and current approaches to the prevention and treatment of open globe injury in children as well as its complications: hyphema, retinal detachment, traumatic uveitis, and endophthalmitis. Currently, children are responsible for the 10-15% of open globe injuries. In developed countries, open globe injury is the leading cause of monocular blindness in children. Open globe injury mainly affects boys (60−70% cases), yet severe injuries are rare, and closed globe injury is the most common type of eye injury. Most injuries are accidental and occur at home in daily life (50−60%), outdoors (20−35%), at school (1−5%), or while playing sports (1−3%). Open globe injury most often affects cornea and is associated with a high risk of early and late complications and poor outcomes. Wearing of protective glasses during sports and active recreation is recognised as an efficient tool for primary prevention of open globe injury in children. The main problems in prevention of complications of open globe injury are the lack of specialised care in low-income countries and the limited awareness of parents.