A West Malaysian study of pediatric ocular trauma

AIM: To survey ophthalmological outcomes of pediatric patients who presented during a five-year period with ocular trauma to a tertiary referral center in West Malaysia.<p>METHODS: All consecutive patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2013 were identified. Patients were recruited as study subjects if they were less than 15y of age and had sustained ocular trauma. Follow-up patients were excluded. Data collected including the subjects' demographic data and past medical and ocular history. Ocular injury, treatment and progress details were also recorded. <p>RESULTS: The prevalence of pediatric ocular trauma was 17.6/100 000 per year. Males represented 69.5% of the 426 subjects recruited. Mean subject age was 6.08 years \〖standard deviation(SD): 2.24\〗. Domestic tools(19.7%)and falls(19.7%)represented the commonest causes of trauma. Most subjects(79.9%)had presenting visual acuity(VA)of 6/12 or better. The anterior segment of the eye(93.9%)was most commonly injured, and 22.8% of subjects required surgery. Relative afferent pupillary defect was associated with closed globe injury(<i>P</i>=0.001)and poorer final VA(<i>P</i>=0.001). Final VA in most subjects(92.7%)was 6/12 or better. <p>CONCLUSION: Increased awareness is necessary for the prevention and early ophthalmological intervention of pediatric ocular trauma, to ensure optimum visual rehabilitation for these patients