Childhood penetrating eye injuries.

We reviewed 41 children with penetrating eye injuries from birth to 15 years of age between August 1982 to May 1990. Male to female ratio was 3.56:1. Thirteen (33%) cases resulted in monocular blindness. The distribution of penetrating injuries was based on the site of perforation: corneal, corneoscleral and scleral groups. The commonest cause of injury was child related from a thrown object (42%) and hazardous toys (21%).