Abstract
Purpose :
Eye injuries in children are a serious concern for caregivers and parents. Although most of them are preventable or avoidable, accidental injuries frequently result in patients being taken to emergency departments. To discuss the characteristics, etiological factors, and visual outcomes of open globe injuries (OGIs) in children at a tertiary eye hospital in Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia.
Methods :
Children aged ≤16 years with OGI based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology classification from 1998 to 2019 were included in this hospital-based, one-armed cohort analysis. The study was conducted in 2021. The age, gender, type, cause of OGI, and vision were recorded, as well as uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity (UCVA and BCVA, respectively). BCVA following management was linked to a variety of factors.
Results :
There were 664 eyes with OGI. [Median age: 5.1; 461 (69.6%) boys]. UCVA at presentation was <20/400 in 525 (79%) eyes with OGI. Injuries were mainly due to metallic objects in 195 (29.4%), glass in 102 (15.4%), and fireworks in 62 (9.4%). Change in visual impairment grade in UCVA and BCVA after management compared with a presentation was significant (p < 0.001). Improvement of two lines of BCVA was noted in 345 (52%), no change in 299 (45%), and deterioration in 10 (1.5%).
Conclusions :
OGI was identified as a leading cause of unilateral blindness. Children with OGIs who receive standard treatment have better outcomes. Many children could not achieve normal, functional vision despite the intervention of skilled care providers.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.