PURPOSE: To describe the trends in eye injuries and associated medical costs among children in the United States.
METHODS: Data were from the 2002-2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Eye injuries in children aged <18 years were identified by the International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) codes. The trends of cumulative incidence of eye injury, total costs, and average costs were estimated from 2002-2014 MEPS data. All costs were adjusted to 2014 US dollars. Analyses accounted for the complex stratified multistage survey design of the MEPS. We used MarketScan data (2010-2013) to validate outpatient cost estimates.
RESULTS: The 3-year average cumulative incidence of eye injuries declined from 0.56% in 2002-2004 to 0.31% in 2012-2014 (Trend p < 0.001). The average annual total costs decreased from $193 million during 2002-2004 to $66 million during 2012-2014 (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: The MEPS data showed that among children aged <18 years, the incidence of eye injuries and associated financial burden substantially declined during 2002-2014, highlighting the progress in preventing children eye injuries. Continuing efforts are needed to further reduce the burden in this population.