Pattern of pediatric ocular trauma in kashan.
BACKGROUND
Ocular trauma is a significant health problem in pediatric patients.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of ocular-trauma-related hospitalization of children in Kashan.


METHODS
This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 131 children aged less than 16 years with ocular trauma, who were admitted to the Matini Hospital at the Kashan University of Medical Sciences between April 2006 and March 2009. After admission, detailed ocular examination was performed, and their ocular trauma was classified according to the International Ocular Trauma Classification and Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology systems.


RESULTS
Mean age of the patients was 7.8 ± 2.2 years (age range, 0-16 years), and male to female ratio 5:1. The most common cause of admission was hyphema (38.1%), followed by corneoscleral laceration (27.5%). Ocular trauma most commonly occurred at home (43%), and 69% of the patients presented to the emergency room within 24 h of injury. In 30% of the patients, initial visual acuity at the time of presentation was less than 20/200 (Figure 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular trauma is a major cause of unilateral blindness, especially in young boys, and hence, preventive measures and education is required.
Trauma Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran ; Department of Ophthalmology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Matini Hospital, Kashan, IR Iran.
Davood
D
Aghadoost
Trauma Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran.
Mohammad Reza
MR
Fazel
Department of surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Hamid Reza
HR
Aghadoost
Hospitalization; Injury; Patients; Pediatric