Purpose: To assess the pattern, risk factors and outcome of ocular trauma in children treated at
Sohag University Hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted to provide
an epidemiological data. This study included all children admitted to the Ophthalmology Department,
via the Emergency Department, at Sohag University Hospital, in the period between May 2010
and April 2011 with ocular trauma. Patients were analyzed with respect to: (1) demographics,
(2) time, place and nature of trauma, (3) type of injury, (4) Interval between trauma and start of
treatment, (5) management and (6) visual outcomes following repair. Results: Sixty children
with ocular injuries presented to the ER, at Sohag University Hospital, between May 2010 and
April 2011 were included; 35 cases (58.3%) were males and 25 cases (41.7%) were females.
There was a higher incidence among children from urban areas (40 cases, 66.7%) than those
from rural areas (22 cases, 33.3%). The majority of patients (46 cases; 76.7%) came to the hospital
within 24 hours of their trauma; 9 cases (15%) showed a delay of more than 24 hours, and
5cases (8.3%) showed a delay of more than 1 week, who had a higher rates of complications.
The most common cause of ocular Trauma in children in this study was injury by sharp objects
accounted for 27 cases (45%), followed by blunt trauma 10 cases (16.7%), then trauma by
stones 8 cases (13.3%), trauma by a plant object 7 cases (11.7%), falling on the face 5 cases
(8.3%), and trauma by woody objects 3 cases (5%). The Post traumatic Complications included
traumatic cataract (26 cases, 43.3%), retinal detachment (4 cases, 6.7%), aphakia (6 cases, 10%),
atrophia bulbi (7 cases, 11.7%), endophthalmitis (2 cases, 3.3%), and blood stained cornea (3 cases,
5%). Conclusion: Ocular injuries in children may result in severe visual impairment which can affect
the future of these children. The earlier the presentation to the hospital, the better the visual prognosis. The author recommends establishment of educational programs to teach the first aid treatment
measures to nurses working in primary health centers, teachers, and general population. Fortunately,
most pediatric ocular trauma is preventable by simple measures. Increased literacy and health
awareness is vital.