Visual outcome and ocular survival in pediatric ocular trauma

Purpose: Ocular injuries in children are a major under-recognized cause of ocular morbidity and can be prevented by identifying the etiology and implementing measures to prevent these injuries. This study intends to assess the visual outcome and ocular survival in paediatric ocular trauma. Design: A descriptive study set in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern India. Methods: A total of 56 children less than 18 years of age with ocular trauma during the period August 2010 to August 2012were studied. Injuries were classified as per modified Ocular Trauma Classification System (OTCS). Final visual outcome was assessed at the end of 1, 3, & 6 months. Results: Of the 56 children assessed 87.5% were that of boys. About 12% were under-fives and almost 66% were in the age range of 5-14 years.  And majority   (47.45 %) had sustained trauma in  the streets. Closed globe injury predominated (69.49%). At presentation, grade I  injury  noted  in 28 eyes (47.45%), grade II  in 1 (1.69%), grade III in 3 (5.08%) , grade IV in  8  (13.55%) , PL negative in 3 (5.08 %)  and un-cooperative in 16 cases  (27.11 %). At six months, good vision noted in 44 eyes (74.6%), moderate in 5 (8.47%), poor vision in 1 (1.69 %), PL negative in 4 (6.77%), un-cooperative 4 cases (6.77%). 4 eyes had phthisis (6.77%) and 1 eye (1.69%) was eviscerated. Conclusions: Ocular trauma in childhood was more common in the male child, mostly due to road traffic accidents.  Ocular trauma being a significant cause of visual loss in childhood, awareness campaigns are necessary.