Eye injuries in children – incidence and outcomes: An observational study at a dedicated children’s eye casualty

Abstract

Purpose:

Trauma is an important cause of visual loss in children and may affect their quality of life. Prevention and legislation can reduce the incidence of trauma, and appropriate and timely treatment can improve prognosis. We aimed to describe incidence of eye injuries in children and the adherence to national and local management guidelines.

Methods:

Retrospective service evaluation at a tertiary hospital (Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK) which operates a dedicated children’s eye casualty. The electronic patient administration system and electronic patient record system (Openeyes) were used to identify children who presented with eye injuries between January 2015 and December 2015.

Results:

Of 2397 first-time attendances to our children’s casualty, 508 were for injuries (estimated incidence 21.1%, 95% confidence interval: 19.5%–22.7%). Mean age at presentation was 7.51 (standard deviation: 7.97) years; boys were more commonly affected than girls (69%). The most common injury was corneal abrasion, followed by blunt and chemical injury; severe injuries such as penetrating trauma were rare. Injuries were sustained mostly during play or sports. Two children sustained permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.

Conclusion:

Our findings are comparable to other published reports. Adherence to management guidelines is high, but documentation of advice given to families can be improved. Regular training of staff and collaboration with organisations outside the hospital can increase awareness of eye injuries in children.