Observation and Epidemiology of Ocular Trauma in Children: Hospital based Study

Background: This study was designed to identify the causes, demographic, clinical profile & classify the patients according to the ocular trauma classification group. Method: 60 children of age fifteen year or less, with ocular injury, who had presented to emergency services/out-patient department of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), IGIMS medical college & hospital, Patna (Bihar) were included. Demographic data, nature and cause of injury, duration between injury & presentation to the hospital and diagnosis were recorded. Evaluation of visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus was done. Results: Majority of injuries occurred in children 7yrs and older (64.7%). There were 50 (83.33%) boys and 10 (16.66%) girls. 40 (66.67%) of cases presented within 24hrs of the injury while 20 (33.33%) of cases presented after more than 24 hr after trauma. Rural patients comprised 39 out of 60 (65 %) while urban were 21 out of 60 (35 %). Most of the patients n=36 (60%) belonged to average socioeconomic status fallowed by low socioeconomic status n=20 (33.33%) & high socioeconomic status n=4 (6.67%). Most of the children n=35 (58.33%) were in their primary school. The highest proportion of injuries occurred outside (eg streets, roads, playgrounds, schools) n=40 (66.67 %) followed by home n=20 (33.33%). Conclusions: Eye trauma in children occur most frequently outdoors. Early diagnosis, management and prevention of complications of ocular injuries can be possible by educating parents and children.