Abstract
Purpose: :
To compare visual outcomes and identify risk factors in pediatric patients with open globe injuries in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Methods: :
A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the presenting characteristics of penetrating globe injuries among pediatric patients. Subsequent visual acuities were recorded at approximately one month intervals following treatment up to three months, and then recorded at approximately 6 months.
Results: :
Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients were included in this study. Young school-age children comprised almost half of the patients in this study (ages 5-12 years, 49%). Boys were more likely to be injured than girls (83% vs. 17 %). The majority of injuries were caused by sharp trauma (50%). More than a quarter of injuries was due to blunt trauma (28%). An intraocular foreign body was present in 15% of cases. At presentation, 1 eye measured visual acuity 20/50 or better compared with 11 eyes at 3 to 6 months follow-up. Most eyes at presentation measured 20/400 to Light Perception (LP) (21 eyes). Three eyes presented with No Light Perception visual acuity compared with 2 eyes at 3 to 6 months follow-up. A high rate of noncompliance with follow-up appointments was also observed (53%).
Conclusions: :
Penetrating ocular injuries in the pediatric population most commonly occurs in school-age children secondary to trauma that is preventable. Given the high rate of noncompliance with long-term follow-up in this population, visual outcomes are difficult to predict.