Load and configuration of ocular trauma in pediatric patients of a tertiary care hospital in Mirpur Azad Kashmir.

Objectives: In pediatric patients, ocular trauma is one of the most common causes of acquired blindness. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of ocular trauma in the pediatric age group, with its risk factors and consequences , visiting a Tertiary care Hospital in Mirpur Azad Kashmir. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology at Mohammadi Teaching Hospital, Mohiuddin Islamic Medical College, Mirpur Azad Kashmir. Period: June 2016  and April 2017. Material & Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in our hospital on children aged 0-10 years presenting with ocular trauma in Eye Out Patient Department. Detailed evaluation including Visual acuity, slit lamp examination and fundus assessment with 90D Lens was done. Various epidemiological parameters like age, sex distribution, place, nature, mode, object, time and type of injury along with visual acuity and treatment options were recorded. Results: Of total 40 patients most common age of presentation was 5 and 8 years. Males (72.5%) were more than females (27.5%). Out of total patients, 27 (67.5%) presented with closed globe injury as compared to open globe. Among the closed globe injury most common trauma was with wood followed by stick and fall. In cases of open globe injury, trauma with wood and scissor were common causes. Home was the most common place of injury (20 cases/ 50%), followed by park, road and school. Most frequent cause of admission and type of injury was corneal ulcer. Conclusion: Children susceptible to ocular trauma are commonly males at ages 5 and 8 years. They should not be left unsupervised even at home. Objects like wood, stick and scissors etc. should be out of reach of children. Immediate comprehensive primary management and secondary rehabilitation are mandatory in these cases.