Abstract
Purpose :
Childhood illness can have significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of their caregiver. Pediatric globe trauma has the potential to cause sudden, irreversible vision loss. This shocking transition also comes with tremendous caregiver responsibility and potential psychosocial ramifications. We sought to investigate and report QoL issues in caregivers of children with pediatric open globe injury.
Methods :
Children who experienced open globe trauma were identified through retrospective chart review. Data were collected using telephone interview. QoL themes were analyzed with NVivo-12 software.
Results :
12 caregivers participated (10/12 mothers). Six QoL themes were identified. Negative QoL comments were most common in Emotional Wellbeing. Social Wellbeing, Coping, Medical and Social support, and Clinical and Familial Control had more positive QoL statements. Financial QoL issues were split. Six parents feared their child would lose their eye. Six reported having a child with eye trauma affected them physically; ten reported emotional effects. Eight felt a counselor or social worker would be helpful in the time following their child’s injury.
Conclusions :
Having a child experience globe trauma is emotionally challenging for the caregiver. Recognition of the need for support services in these situations is important for treating physicians.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.