This study explored the possible mechanisms of paediatric open globe injuries that occurred during playtime and required surgical treatment. The study was conducted in a single centre in Egypt. This was a prospective study of all children admitted with open globe injuries occurring during playtime over a six-month period and included 131 patients. Eighty-one met the inclusion criteria of which 32 had their injury during playtime. Patients were aged 1.5-17 years and 71.9% were male. 53.1% were ≤5 years. All were unilateral injuries (15 right and 17 left eye). Playing with sharp objects was the most common cause (nail, scissors, glass, syringe, knife, and key). Sites of injury included the cornea (71.9%), sclerocornea and sclera. Twenty-five children presented on the same day as their injury. Associated ocular complications (56.3%) included cataract, foreign body, hyphaema, pupillary membrane and dislocated lens. The authors conclude many injuries are avoidable through specific primary preventative strategies and control measures.
Causes of childhood open globe injuries sustained during playtime
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Epidemiology, etiologies and complications of playtime open globe injuries in children.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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