Air bag-associated ocular trauma in children.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a series of children with ocular injuries related to air bag deployment.


METHODS
Retrospective, observational case series.


METHODS
Seven patients with ocular injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in which air bags were deployed.


METHODS
Review of medical records.


RESULTS
All patients had periocular contusions. Minor injuries included corneal abrasions (n = 5), superficial eyelid laceration (n = 1), and traumatic iritis (n = 2). Serious injuries included corneal edema (n = 1) and a traumatic hyphema with secondary glaucoma and cataract (n = 1). The latter patient required surgery. All other injuries resolved with medical therapy. All patients recovered normal visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Serious ocular injuries in children may result from air bag deployment. Most such injuries are minor and resolve without sequela. It is recommended that infants and children travel in the rear seat of automobiles to minimize their risk of injury.
Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Pediatrics, Washington University Medical Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. luederg@vision.wustl.edu
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Lueder
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D017278:Air Bags / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005143:Eyelids / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006988:Hyphema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies