Citation

Mela EK, Georgakopoulos CD, Georgalis A, Koliopoulos JX, Gartaganis SP. Ophthalmic. Epidemiol. 2003; 10(1): 23-29.

Affiliation

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece. ifigenia@hol.gr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12607156

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of severe eye injuries in childhood, in a mixed urban and rural Greek setting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 95 cases (103 eyes) of eye injuries in children younger than 17 years of age admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Patras, Greece, during a five-year period. The data were analyzed with respect to age, sex, type, cause and mode of injury, method of management, duration of hospitalization and final visual deficit. RESULTS: The average age was 9.8 years and males were involved in 80% of the cases. The most common type of eye injury was mechanical closed-globe injury (71.8%). Mechanical open-globe injuries were found in 21.3% of the eyes, while burns comprised 6.7% of the injuries. Most injuries were agent-related, with blows and falls being responsible most often. Multiple operations were part of the treatment in 11.6% of the eyes; 14.5% of the eyes were blinded and 15.5% had significant final visual acuity loss. CONCLUSIONS: These hospital-based data suggest that there is a need for health education of both parents and children, since some injuries in children could easily have been prevented.

Language: en