Pediatric endophthalmitis-associated penetrating ocular trauma: A single-center retrospective study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Penetrating ocular trauma is a severe form of eye injury in children. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinico-epidemiological features of endophthalmitis-associated penetrating ocular trauma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, the medical records of children diagnosed with endophthalmitis-associated ocular penetrating trauma were reviewed during the 5-year study period. RESULTS: From 375 cases of children with penetrating ocular injuries, 13 cases (3.5) of endophthalmitis following penetrative ocular trauma were identified. The patients' ages ranged from 4 to 18 years. The majority of children were male (69.2) in preschool age. The most common source of penetration was wood, which accounted for 5 of 13 cases (38.5), followed by knife and then wire. An intraocular foreign body was detected in three cases of endophthalmitis. Most patients had visual acuity of hand motion or count fingers. CONCLUSIONS: Most open-globe injuries and associated endophthalmitis in this study are related to accidental events. More consideration should be taken in attempting to prevent perforating ocular injuries and the consequence of endophthalmitis in children.