Pediatric ocular injuries: a 3-year review of patients presenting to an emergency department in Canada.

BACKGROUND

Ocular traumas represent the most common cause of noncongenital blindness in children. Sports are the second most common cause in children less than 14 years old in Canada. To our knowledge, there have not yet been any reports regarding the causes of pediatric ocular trauma in the Quebec population. The goal of our study was to gather data from the Quebec pediatric population to determine high-risk age groups, sports, or other activities.

METHODS

A retrospective study evaluating all patients younger than 18 years who presented with ocular trauma to the Ste-Justine Hospital emergency department between 2007 and 2010. Data obtained included age, sex, activity at the time of injury, mechanism of injury, and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Trauma was more common in males (65%). The mean age was 7.2 years. Injuries occurred more often in the 5-9 year age group, at home, and during free play. Sports-related injuries occurred more often in the 10-18 year age group, with hockey being associated most often with injuries. Visual acuity at presentation was variable, but final acuity was 20/30 or better in 86.7% of cases. In 89% of cases, there was no mention of ocular protection and prevention of injuries in the chart by emergency physicians.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that ocular injuries may be prevented by better supervision and parental education in the younger population and by mandating ocular protection for sports in high school-aged patients.