Ocular trauma is the leading cause of monocular blindness in children. Pediatric ocular trauma has several distinct characteristics:
- It has a high incidence, accounting for approximately one-third of all ocular trauma cases, and most injuries are accidental or unintentional.
- Delayed medical attention is common due to communication difficulties or the inability to provide a clear history of the injury, which can lead to delayed treatment.
- Young children may have difficulty cooperating with examinations and treatments. For younger patients, detailed evaluation and appropriate management are often conducted under sedation or general anesthesia. It is preferable to combine examination and treatment in a single session to minimize discomfort.
- Due to the unique anatomical structure of the pediatric eye, trauma often elicits strong inflammatory responses, with a higher likelihood of complications and generally poorer prognosis, resulting in a high rate of vision loss.
- Amblyopia management should begin immediately after the injury, with an emphasis on visual rehabilitation and close follow-up.
- The majority of pediatric ocular trauma cases are preventable, underscoring the importance of protective measures.
Managing pediatric patients requires specific skills, including understanding how the causes of ocular trauma vary across different developmental stages and recognizing the unique characteristics of ocular trauma in children. In the neonatal period, birth-related injuries are the most common cause of ocular trauma. During infancy and early childhood, injuries primarily result from toys or accidental bumps, and shaken baby syndrome should also be considered. Preschool and school-aged children are more prone to eye injuries during play or sports due to inadequate self-protection. A detailed and comprehensive account of the injury history and related medical history should be obtained from the child’s caregivers. Gaining the cooperation of caregivers is essential to ensure better compliance and improved outcomes.