Profile of Ocular Injury among Paediatric Patients in a Tertiary Institution in Uyo, Nigeria: An 18 Months Review

Abstract

Background: Ocular injury is one of the known causes of acquired blindness in children. The epidemiological data on childhood ocular injury vary from region to region, and also with sex and age.

Methodology: Clinic records of pediatric ocular trauma patients (0–18 years) were reviewed for 18 months. Information on sociodemographics, causes of trauma, mechanism of trauma, place of injury, and type of injury were extracted. Data obtained were analyzed using STATA version 12.

Results: Sixty patients aged 0.5–18 years, mean age was 9 years ± 4.73 visited the hospital on account of eye injury formed the study population. Males were 37 (61.7%) and females 23 (38.3%) in a ratio of 1.6:1. The most common age group for ocular trauma was 6–10 years 24 (40.0%). Closed globe injuries were the most common type 48 (80%), home 45 (71.7%) was the most common location where the injury occurred, the conjunctiva was the most commonly affected structure 21 (35%) and the most common offending object used was stick 9 (15.0%).

Conclusion: Paediatric eye injury has an age-specific pattern, occurred more commonly in males, mainly of the closed globe variety and occurred mostly in the home setting.