Aetiology of perforating eye injury. Issue 5 (May 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luff, A J; Hodgkins, P R; Baxter, R J; Morrell, A J; Calder, I
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 68:Issue 5(1993)
• Page Start: 682
• Page End: 683
• Publication Date: 1993-05
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.68.5.682
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : This study addresses the aetiology of perforating ocular injury in childhood and possible preventive measures. Data have been collected from the case notes of 143 patients presenting over a 10 year period to a single ophthalmic unit. Injuries occurred most often in a domestic setting (34%) or with a child at play (19%) and showed an overall four to one ratio of boys to girls. Sports injuries accounted for 15% and assault for 8% of all injuries. A changing pattern of ocular injury is evident: road traffic accidents constituted 6% of injuries, compared with 31% in a similar study published in 1976. The role of litigation is discussed, particularly with regard to firearms, which accounted for 8% of injuries. It is concluded that the most important factor in the prevention of perforating ocular trauma is parental awareness, 53% of injuries occurring with the child in a domestic setting or at play.