Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Purpose: To analyze the epidemiological pattern, etiology, clinical profile, and visual outcomes of anterior segment ocular injuries in pediatric patients attending a tertiary care centre in the Vindhya region of Central India.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 100 pediatric patients (<18 years) with anterior segment ocular injuries attending the Department of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care hospital in the Vindhya region from January 2021 to June 2022. Detailed demographic data, mechanism and mode of injury, type of ocular involvement, and time of presentation were recorded. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, and fundus evaluation. Injuries were classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS). Patients were followed for three months, and final visual outcomes were assessed.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.5 ± 3.54 years (range: 3 months-18 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. The majority of injuries occurred in the 7-11 year age group (29%). Rural children (62%) and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (52%) were more frequently affected. The most common place of injury was home (48%), followed by school (17%) and road (16%). Trauma by sharp objects (33%) was the leading cause, followed by falls (24%) and blunt objects (21%). Closed globe injuries were more common (58.5%) than open globe injuries (41.5%). Penetrating trauma accounted for 86.3% of open globe injuries. Corneoscleral tears were the most frequent sight-threatening lesions. At presentation, 55.5% of eyes had poor visual acuity (LogMAR ≥ 1.0). After treatment and follow-up, 39.2% achieved BCVA ≥ 6/12. Better outcomes were associated with early presentation (<48 hours) and closed globe injuries (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Anterior segment ocular trauma in children is a significant cause of preventable visual morbidity in Central India. Most injuries occur at home and are related to sharp or blunt objects during unsupervised play. Early medical attention and appropriate surgical intervention markedly improve visual prognosis. Community-based awareness and school screening programs are essential for early detection and prevention of childhood ocular injuries.