Clinical Profile of Ocular Injuries in Pediatric Age Group Attending Department of Ophthalmology- VIMS, Ballari- A Prospective Study

Background: Ocular trauma is a significant contributor to preventable monocular blindness and visual impairment globally, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology and risk factors. This study aimed to analyze pediatric ocular trauma's prevalence, patterns, and related factors at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari, India. Methods: A prospective study was conducted over 1.5 years, involving 60 pediatric ocular trauma cases. Results: The highest incidence was found in children aged 6-9 years (41.67%), followed by 9-12 years (25%). Males were more affected (66.7%) than females. Most cases (56.67%) were from rural areas. About 50% of the patients presented to the hospital between 24 hours and 3 days post-injury. Home was the most common location of injury (46.67%), followed by playgrounds (23.33%). Open globe injuries were the most common (58.34%), with vegetative matter being the primary cause (36.67%). The most common area of open globe injury was Zone 1 (88.57%). Conclusions: Our study highlights the significance of ocular trauma in children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and awareness programs to prevent these incidents