European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Eye trauma or eye injury, is a significant public health issue with psychosocial ramifications that can be avoided in 90% of cases. Most common ocular emergencies in childhood are caused by open-globe injuries and require immediate care. There was an increase in household trauma amongst children during lockdown.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study was done between MARCH 2020- JUNE 2021. 60 children below 14 years of age were evaluated in the emergency room and on outpatient department basis of a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra.
Results: 20 were in age group 3 to 5 years, 35 were in 5 to 10 years and 5 were in age group 10 to 14 years. Out of 60 patients, 15 required surgical intervention, 35 required medical intervention and 10 patients were kept under observation. 2 patients had total loss of vision. 3 patients had significant loss of vision even after intervention was done, 45 patients regained their vision within 2-month period from the day of trauma and 10 patients did not have loss of vision.
Conclusion:  Long term close follow ups are essential to prevent irreversible blindness in childhood ocular trauma cases. Counselling the children and the parents plays a key role in the management of these cases and to reduce incidence of ocular trauma at home during lockdown period.