Pattern of Presentation of Globe Injuries in Paediatric Population

Abstract

Purpose: To determine epidemiologic patterns of globe injuries in pediatric population. Methods: The hospital records of 127 patients under the age of 12 years who presented with ocular trauma from January 2010 to January 2013 were retrospectively examined. Important variables perused and contemplated related to age and gender of children, etiology and nature of injury, intervention needed, and time factor regarding injury and its treatment etc. Results: Most injuries (62.99%) occurred among boys. Most patients (52.75%) were in 6-8 years age group. Right eye injury occurred in majority (58.27%) of cases. In a clear majority (43.30%) of cases, cause of injury could not be delineated. Injuries occurred mainly in playfields(38.58%),schools(29.92%),&homes(17.32%). Globe penetration (68.50%) with corneal lacerations (54.33%) was the dominant pattern. Majority (62.99%) of cases had visual acuity less than 6/60 at presentation. Ocular surgery in addition to globe repair was needed in large (63.78%) number of cases. Large number (75.59%) presented from a 60 km peri-hospital circle. A significant (45.67%) percentage delayed their presentation in hospital with false expectation of self-resolution. Majority (56.69%) of cases took 12 hours to present to service hospital after initial presentation to a clinician. Good deal (77.17%) of patients pursued follow-ups up to three months regularly. Conclusion: Globe injuries occur commonly in 6-8 years age group boys. Delayed presentation in hospital is under false hope of spontaneous resolution. However, once communicated properly, parents are keen in follow-ups.