Rock, paper and scissors? Traumatic paediatric cataract in Victoria 1992–2006

A prospective cohort study on the epidemiology of ocular trauma associated with closed-globe injuries in pediatric age group

Purpose:

To study the epidemiology of mechanical ocular trauma and closed globe injury using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System in patients belonging to the pediatric age group.

Methods:

This work involved a prospective cohort study of all ocular trauma patients (pediatric age group) registered between 2002 and 2017 at the ocular trauma care center. The data were collected using the international ocular trauma society form through our online MIS data and exported to the Excel sheet. The statistical analyses including the univariate analysis and cross tabulation were carried out using SPSS 22 software.

Results:

Our cohort consisted of 12687 patients with mechanical ocular trauma. There were 7546 (59.4%) eyes with open globe ocular injuries and 5328 (41.9%) with closed globe injuries. Of all closed globe injury patients, 1010 (19.0%) belonged to the pediatric age group (0-18 years), including 690 males (68.3%) and 320 females (31.7%). The mean age of the patients was 10.2 ± 5.1 years. Of all closed globe injuries, 692 (68.5%) were closed globe contusion and 318 (31.5%) were lamellar laceration.

Conclusion:

Closed globe injury is an important in cause of vision loss in children (24% <1/60). The condition is more prevalent in males and >51.7% in children under 10 years of age. The treatment has significant impact on the visual outcome in patients belonging to the pediatric age group.

Characteristics of Open Globe Injuries in the United States From 2006 to 2014

Importance

Open globe injuries can lead to substantial visual morbidity and lifelong sequelae. Interventions to reduce the burden of open globe injuries in the United States require a better understanding of these injuries through well-designed epidemiologic investigations.

Objective

To examine the incidence, common injury mechanisms, and economic burden of open globe injuries in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, cross-sectional study of US nationwide emergency department (ED) data assessed all ED visits of patients with a primary diagnosis of open globe injury in the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014. Data analysis was performed from August 29, 2018, to November 11, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Annual incidence of open globe injuries by age, sex, mechanism of injury, and concomitant diagnosis, as well as median charges associated with open globe injuries and variables associated with hospitalization.

Results

A total of 124 989 ED visits for open globe injuries were assessed, with an incidence of 4.49 per 100 000 population in the United States from 2006 to 2014 (mean [SD] age of study participants, 37.7 [22.5] years; 94 078 [75.3%] male). The incidence was highest in 2006 (5.88 per 100 000 population) and decreased by 0.3% per month between 2006 and 2014 (incidence rate ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99; P < .001). Open globe injuries occurred in 37 060 individuals (30.6%) of low socioeconomic status. The most common injury mechanism was being struck by or against an object or person (40 119 of all 124 989 injury mechanisms [32.1%]). Open globe injuries associated with falls increased 6.6% between 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 (95% CI, 1.04-1.08; P < .001) and were the most common injury mechanism in individuals older than 70 years. The total cost associated with open globe injuries was $793 million. The cost of ED visits increased from $865 during 2006-2010 to $1557 during 2011-2015. Inpatient costs similarly increased from $21 527 during 2006-2010 to $30 243 during 2011-2015.

Conclusions and Relevance

The incidence of open globe injuries in the United States decreased from 2006 to 2014. Although the data are from 5 to 13 years ago, these findings appear to provide valuable information for targeting preventive measures toward individuals at highest risk; targeting young men with lower socioeconomic status and individuals 70 years or older at an increased risk of falls may help lower the incidence of open globe injuries.

Effect of exposure to biomass smoke from cooking fuel types and eye disorders in women from hilly and plain regions of Nepal

Background/Aim

To study the association between exposure to biomass smoke from cooking fuels andi cataract, visual acuity and ocular symptoms in women.

Methods

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among women (≥20 years and without a previous diagnosis of cataract, ocular trauma or diabetes or those taking steroids) from hilly and plain regions of Nepal. Eligible participants received an interview and a comprehensive eye assessment (cataract development, visual acuity test and ocular symptoms). Participants’ data on demographics, cooking fuel type and duration of use, and cooking habits were collected. We addressed potential confounders using the propensity score and other risk factors for ocular diseases through regression analysis.

Results

Of 784 participants, 30.6% used clean fuel (liquefied petroleum gas, methane, electricity) as their primary current fuel, and the remaining 69.4% used biomass fuels. Thirty-nine per cent of the total participants had cataracts—about twofold higher in those who currently used biomass fuel compared with those who used clean fuel (OR=2.27; 95% CI 1.09 to 4.77) and over threefold higher in those who always used biomass. Similarly, the nuclear cataract was twofold higher in the current biomass user group compared with the clean fuel user group (OR=2.53; 95% CI 1.18–5.42) and over threefold higher among those who always used biomass. A higher proportion of women using biomass had impaired vision, reported more ocular symptoms compared with those using clean fuel. Severe impaired vision and blindness were only present in biomass fuel users. However, the differences were only statistically significant for symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, a complaint of pain in the eye and tear in the eyes.

Conclusions

Cataract was more prevalent in women using biomass for cooking compared with those using clean fuel.

Refractive and visual outcomes after surgery for pediatric traumatic cataract

PURPOSE

To describe refractive and visual outcomes of pediatric traumatic cataract requiring surgery and evaluate the factors influencing success.

SETTING

Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Charts of children having lensectomy for traumatic cataract between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2015, were reviewed for demographic information, visual and refractive outcomes, complications, and surgical details.

RESULTS

One hundred six children (mean age 7.6 years ± 3.9 [SD]) were included. The median follow-up was 41 months (range 3 to 155 months). Seventy-nine children had open-globe injuries and 27 had closed-globe injuries. Patients with open-globe injuries were younger than those with closed-globe injuries (mean age 6.9 versus 10.4 years; P < .05). The final corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/40 or better in 47 children. In the 94 children who had intraocular lens placement, 54% with open-globe injuries and 55% with closed-globe injuries achieved a mean absolute prediction error of 1.0 diopter or less in the early postoperative period. Open-globe injuries and amblyopia were associated with worse visual outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 2.8 and P = .03 versus OR, 2.4 and P = .04) and refractive outcomes (OR, 3.1 and P = .02 versus OR, 3.8 and P = .04). Age younger than 5 years was associated with worse refractive outcomes (OR, 2.88; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Children requiring surgery for traumatic cataract can have good visual and refractive outcomes. Those with open-globe and those with closed-globe injuries both had good early postoperative refractive accuracy. Sixty-three percent of children with closed-globe injuries attained a CDVA of 20/40 or better at the final follow-up.

Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Children After Early Secondary Cataract Extraction Following Wound Repair for Penetrating Ocular Trauma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes in children 8 years of age or younger with corneal laceration and cataract following penetrating ocular injuries who underwent primary corneal tear repair followed within 1 to 8 weeks by early secondary cataract extraction.

METHODS

This retrospective, non-comparative case series reviewed the admission and operative charts of children 8 years of age or younger (range: 3 to 8 years) who underwent corneal wound repair as the primary surgical procedure followed within 1 to 8 weeks by cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The main outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error as the spherical equivalent at the final follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A total of 47 children (33 boys, 14 girls) were included. The mean age at the time of injury was 5.9 ± 2.2 years (range: 3 to 8 years). Follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 3 years (median: 18 months). The mean time gap between the wound repair and cataract extraction was 5 weeks (range: 1 to 8 weeks). Approximately 36 (77%) eyes obtained BCVA better than 6/18. All but one eye achieved BCVA better than 6/60. The deviation from emmetropia was less than 1.00 diopter (D) in 23 (54%) eyes, 1.00 to 3.00 D in 15 (35%) eyes, and more than 3.00 D in 5 (12%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early removal of cataract with intraocular lens implantation 1 to 8 weeks after the primary wound repair in young children with penetrating corneal injuries can result in excellent visual and refractive outcomes with early intervention and aggressive amblyopia treatment. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(2):122-127.].

Traumatic Cataract in Children in Eastern China: Shanghai Pediatric Cataract Study

Traumatic cataract is a main cause of visual impairment in pediatric populations and is preventable. Awareness of the causes and consequences of pediatric eye trauma play roles in health education and prevention of blindness. We conducted a retrospective chart review based on 5-year clinical data of pediatric traumatic cataract cases treated at the Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Clinical features including demographic data, injury mechanism, and causative agents were analyzed. A total of 321 eyes of 321 children (male, 74.1%) were included. Penetrating injury accounted for 76.6% of all injuries; 65% of children with such injuries underwent their first surgery on the day of injury. The average age at injury was 6.3 ± 3.7 years, while the peak age was from two to eight years. The main causes of ocular injury were sharp metal objects, toys, and wooden sticks. The causative agent changed with increasing age; however, scissors were the leading cause within almost all age groups. Cataract surgery significantly improved visual acuity in children with traumatic cataract. These findings add information regarding the characterization of pediatric traumatic cataract in China and can help guide safety education and preventative measures.

The epidemiology of Open Globe Injuries presenting to a tertiary referral eye hospital in Australia

BACKGROUND

Open globe injuries (OGIs) account for 44% of the cost of ocular trauma within Australia. It is estimated that 90% of ocular trauma is preventable. However, there have been few epidemiological studies within Australia that have identified groups at risk of OGIs specifically. The aim of our study was to review the epidemiology of OGIs presenting to a tertiary referral eye hospital in Australia.

METHODS

The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) system was used to classify injuries as globe ruptures, penetrating eye injuries (PEIs), intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) or perforating injuries. Demographic data, past ocular history, mechanism of trauma, ocular injuries, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

The 205 OGIs included 80 globe ruptures, 71 PEIs, 48 IOFBs and six perforating injuries. Falls predominated in older age groups compared to the other mechanisms of injury (p<0.0001). A fall was responsible for 33 globe ruptures and 82% of these had a history of previous intraocular surgery. Globe rupture and perforating injuries had poorer visual outcomes (p<0.05), consistent with previous studies. Alcohol was implicated in 20 cases of OGI, with 11 of these due to assault. PEIs and IOFBs commonly occurred while working with metal. BCVA was significantly worse following removal of an intraocular foreign body. We found presenting BCVA to be a good predictor of BCVA at the time of discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The causes of OGI varied in association with age, with older people mostly incurring their OGI through falls and younger adults through assault and working with metal. Globe ruptures occurring after a fall often had a history of intraocular surgery. The initial BCVA is useful for non-ophthalmologists who are unfamiliar with the ocular trauma score to help predict the BCVA following treatment.

Paediatric eye injuries in Finland - Helsinki eye trauma study

PURPOSE

To determine the current population-based epidemiology, treatment, use of resources and outcomes of children's eye injuries in Finland.

METHODS

The study included all new patients, 16 years of age or under, with ocular or orbital traumas taken into care to the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (population base 1.5 million people) in 1 year. The follow-up period was 3 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred and two children's eye injuries were treated. The eye injury incidence was 5.2-8.3 per 10 000 per year, including all minor and major eye traumas. Eye injury most likely occurred at the junior high school age (13-16 years). Thirty-three percentage of accidents took place at home and 24% at school or in day care. The most common causes were sports equipment (15%), contact with human body (12%) and superficial foreign bodies (11%). Excluding minor injuries, contusion was the most common diagnosis (n = 60, 30%). Eighty-seven percentage of contusion patients were estimated to need lifelong follow-up due to elevated glaucoma risk. Nine percentage of all patients had a permanent disability. Guns, fireworks, tools and pellet guns were relatively the most dangerous objects. Pellet guns caused 6% of eye injuries, 36% of them causing permanent impairment. The number of outpatient visits was altogether 443, inpatient days were 49, and 60 children had major surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of protective eyewear would have prevented or diminished eye traumas caused by pellet gun, floorball, most of the firework and in many superficial foreign body. The use of pellet guns and protective eyewear should be more supervised. Fireworks and tools are not suitable toys for children.

Pediatric ocular trauma score as a prognostic tool in the management of pediatric traumatic cataracts

OBJECTIVE

To introduce and validate the pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS) - a mathematical model to predict visual outcome trauma in children with traumatic cataract METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of consecutive children with traumatic cataracts aged 18 and below were retrieved and analysed. Data collected included age, gender, visual acuity, anterior segment and posterior segment findings, nature of surgery, treatment for amblyopia, follow-up, and final outcome was recorded on a precoded data information sheet. POTS was derived based on the ocular trauma score (OTS), adjusting for age of patient and location of the injury. Visual outcome was predicted using the OTS and the POTS and using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

POTS predicted outcomes were more accurate compared to that of OTS (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

POTS is a more sensitive and specific score with more accurate predicted outcomes compared to OTS, and is a viable tool to predict visual outcomes of pediatric ocular trauma with traumatic cataract.

Prognostic Factors for Visual Outcome in Traumatic Cataract Patients

Purpose. To investigate the prognostic factors for visual outcome in traumatic cataract patients. Methods. The demographic features of traumatic cataract patients in Central China were studied. The factors that might influence the visual outcome were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of OTS (ocular trauma score) in predicting VA were calculated. Results. The study enrolled 480 cases. 65.5% of patients achieved VA at >20/60. The factors associated with the final VA were initial VA, injury type, wound location, the way of cataract removal, and IOL implantation. The sensitivities of OTS in predicting the VA at NLP (nonlight perception), LP/HM (light perception/hand motion), and ≥20/40 were 100%. The specificity of OTS to predict the final VA at 1/200-19/200 and 20/200-20/50 was 100%. Conclusion. The prognostic factors were initial VA, injury type, wound location, cataract removal procedure, and the way of IOL implantation. The OTS has good sensitivity and specificity in predicting visual outcome in traumatic cataract patients in long follow-up.

Visual Outcome of Traumatic Cataract at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in North India: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

One of the most common presentations of blunt and penetrating ocular trauma is traumatic cataract. It remains a significant cause of visual impairment and physical disability among adults and children. It is associated with various ocular injuries.

AIM

To evaluate the associated ocular injuries and final outcome of patients with traumatic cataract along with their demographic features and modes of trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study done in Department of Ophthalmology in M.L.B. Medical college, Jhansi from February 2010 to July 2011. A total of 48 patients diagnosed as a case of traumatic cataract were subjected to a detailed history, systemic and local examination with relevant investigations. Medical or surgical managements were done accordingly. Patients were subsequently followed-up and visual acuity was recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

RESULTS

A 54.2% patients sustained penetrating trauma while 45.8% got blunt injury. Out of total, 79% patients were males while 50% were less than 15 years of age. Causative agents were stone, wood items, stick, metal objects etc. Among blunt trauma cases, 64% of the patients had visual acuity <6/60 while among penetrating trauma cases nobody had acuity >6/18. Anterior segment was more involved as compared to posterior segment. A 38.5% patients had corneal opacity among penetrating injury patients. The interval between trauma and surgery was less than one month among 75% of patients. After three months of surgery, 43.7% patients had visual acuity of >6/18.

CONCLUSION

This study provides recent data of patients hospitalized after ocular trauma and diagnosed as a case of traumatic cataract. Traumatic cataract occurs mostly in younger males. Surgical intervention is necessary to improve visual outcome. Good visual outcome was obtained in nearly half of the patients. Traumatic cataract patients can have good visual outcome depending upon proper management.

Posterior capsule opacification in pediatric eyes with and without traumatic cataract

PURPOSE

To compare the rate of visually significant posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in pediatric eyes with and without traumatic cataract.

SETTING

Storm Eye Institute, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

METHODS

Eyes operated on for traumatic cataract and having in-the-bag single-piece hydrophobic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were identified. The control group of eyes operated on for nontraumatic cataract was matched with reference to age, management of the posterior capsule, type of IOL, and follow-up duration.

RESULTS

Data from 58 eyes were studied. Age at surgery was comparable between the study group and the control group (7.3 versus 7.8 years) (P = .7). The rate of PCO was statistically significantly different between the 2 groups (12/29 eyes versus 2/29 eyes) (P = .002). This difference was more marked for those with intact posterior capsules (9/12 eyes [75%] and 1/12 eyes [8%] (P = .001) compared with eyes with primary posterior capsulectomy and vitrectomy (3/17 [18%] and 1/17 [6%] (P = .6). For eyes with intact posterior capsules, the duration between cataract surgery and intervention for PCO was 4 to 15 months in the traumatic cataract group; 1 eye in the nontraumatic cataract group required intervention 20 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with traumatic cataract were more likely to develop PCO than eyes without traumatic cataract. The results also suggest that PCO develops faster in eyes with traumatic cataract. Primary posterior capsulectomy and vitrectomy should be considered for children having traumatic cataract surgery, irrespective of age at the time of surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Traumatic pediatric cataract in southern Ethiopia--results of 49 cases

PURPOSE

To report the experience of two tertiary care facilities in southern Ethiopia in the treatment of traumatic pediatric cataract for a period of more than 1 year.

METHODS

The medical records of consecutive traumatic pediatric cataract patients who underwent surgery at the Hawassa University and the Yirgalem University schools of medicine from July 2007 to August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients with a follow-up of at least 12 months were included.

RESULTS

A total of 49 children were included. Mean patient age was 8.6 ± 0.3 years (range, 5-15 years). Of the 49 cases, 32 (65%) were caused by blunt trauma. Average follow-up period was 15 months. Postoperative visual acuity of counting fingers or better was achieved in 43 (88%) eyes compared with 5 (10%) at presentation (P < 0.0001). Better visual acuity at presentation and blunt trauma were associated with better final visual acuity. Only blunt trauma was found by multivariate analysis to influence final visual acuity (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual acuity of counting fingers or better visual can be achieved in most cases. Blunt trauma is a good independent prognostic factor for visual acuity.

Epidemiology and Intermediate-Term Outcomes of Open- and Closed-Globe Injuries in Traumatic Childhood Cataract

Purpose

To study epidemiology and intermediate-term outcomes of open- and closed-globe injuries (CGI) in traumatic childhood cataract.

Methods

In this retrospective interventional case series, demographic parameters and history including type of injury of 57 children younger than 16 years with traumatic cataract were recorded; ocular examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and posterior segment evaluation. Patients underwent cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Main surgical outcomes at 6 months comprised BCVA, residual refractive spherical error (SE), and postoperative complications, namely visual axis opacification (VAO) and amblyopia.

Results

Bow and arrow was the most common causal agent. Open-globe injury (OGI) was 3 times more frequent than CGI. There was a significant visual gain from baseline in both groups after cataract surgery (p<0.001); residual SE was greater in OGI (1.6 ± 0.95 SD) compared to blunt trauma (0.8 ± 0.55 SD; p = 0.001). Incidence of corneal scarring, iris distortion, posterior synechiae, and intraoperative posterior capsular tear was greater with OGI (p<0.05). A total of 86% of patients were rehabilitated with a primary/secondary IOL. Single-piece IOL implantation rate (p = 0.004) was significantly greater in CGI, with no statistical difference for in-the-bag IOL (p = 0.053) and IOL implantation rate (p = 0.16). Final BCVA was significantly better for in-the-bag IOL implantation compared to sulcus fixation. Postoperative complications included amblyopia (51%) and VAO (12%).

Conclusions

Bow and arrow injury caused the maximum cases of traumatic cataract; cataract extraction resulted in significant visual improvement; and CGI tended to have better prognosis in pediatric traumatic cataracts.

Aetiology and outcome of open and closed globe eye injuries in children

BACKGROUND

This paper reports on the aetiology and outcome of childhood open and closed globe eye injuries presenting to the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia from January 2000 to December 2008.

DESIGN

Hospital-based retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred three cases of childhood eye injuries identified in a nine-year period, comprising 81 open globe and 122 closed globe injuries.

METHODS

Hospital records were examined for demographic data and injuries were classified into open globe and closed globe, based on the Ocular Trauma Classification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Parameters affecting the final visual outcome such as type of injury, zone of injury, initial visual acuity, wound length (only in open globe injuries) and lens injury were assessed.

RESULTS

Most of the eye injuries resulted from the child poking itself or being poked accidentally (26%), with the home being the most common place of injury. A favourable visual outcome was noted with closed globe injuries as compared with open globe injuries (P < 0.01). Parameters that indicated a poor visual outcome included globe ruptures, zone 3 injuries, poor initial visual acuity, wound length >10 mm and lens trauma. Final visual acuity of 6/12 or better was observed in 68% of injured eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated improved visual outcomes when compared with previous studies. However, many unsalvageable childhood eye injuries with little useful vision were evident, and most disconcerting is that the majority of childhood eye injuries in this study were preventable.

OcularTrauma Score: a useful predictor of visual outcome at six weeks in patients with traumatic cataract

OBJECTIVE

To validate the predictive value of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in injury cases with traumatic cataracts.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 787 eyes.

METHODS

A total of 787 eyes of 787 subjects with traumatic cataracts were enrolled using specific inclusion criteria. The eyes were examined to review comorbidities caused by trauma. Surgery was performed for traumatic cataracts, lenses were implanted, and patients were treated for amblyopia, as applicable. The patients were reexamined 6 weeks postoperatively. On the basis of ocular trauma described according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System, the patients were divided into 2 traumatic cataract groups: open globe injury and closed globe injury. The relationship of visual acuity (VA) with demographic and clinical variables was analyzed. The visual outcomes were predicted using the OTS, and the predictions were compared with the actual outcomes using statistical tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks postoperatively, 245 eyes (31%) had a VA ≥ 20/40 and 480 eyes (61.0%) had a VA >20/200. The OTS prediction was not significantly different when compared with actual visual outcome at 6 weeks postoperatively in all OTS categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship of VA at 6 weeks with demographic and clinical variables was analyzed. In this study, the OTS was found as a reliable tool to predict visual outcome in cases of traumatic cataracts 6 weeks postoperatively.

Traumatic corneal laceration with associated lens capsule disruption: a retrospective study of 77 clinical cases from 1999 to 2009

OBJECTIVE

Examine prognostic factors that may indicate when surgical lens removal is indicated to prevent vision-threatening complications in patients presented following traumatic perforating corneal laceration with associated lens capsule disruption.

PROCEDURES

Seventy-seven patients (10 cats and 67 dogs) were evaluated with this injury; of these, 47 were presented acutely and treated surgically and/or medically. Successful outcome was defined as functional vision in the treated eye.

RESULTS

The 47 patients with acute injuries were divided into 3 treatment groups A-C for comparison; A - corneal repair/lens removal (n = 15), B - corneal repair/no lens removal (n = 9), C - medical management (n = 23). Groups A and B showed a significantly greater rate of vision loss compared to Group C that was most obvious greater than 18 months post-injury (P = 0.029 and 0.0097, respectively). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis found a significantly higher increased rate of vision loss in Group A (HR = 4.5; P = 0.023) and a higher but nonsignificant increased rate of vision loss in Group B (HR = 3.0; P = 0.23) compared to Group C after controlling for age and cause of injury. The length of the corneal laceration and time interval from injury to referral were also relevant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical management is an appropriate therapy for patients of all ages suffering perforating corneal injuries with associated lens capsule disruption. Patients with corneal injuries requiring surgical repair or managed by lens removal following corneal repair suffered vision-threatening complications approximately 3 to 4.5 times the rate of patients treated by medical management, respectively. Favorable prognostic signs for treatment by medical management include good corneal wound apposition and a formed anterior chamber without uveal prolapse or continued aqueous leakage.

Visual Outcome of Traumatic Cataract in Pediatric Age Group

Purpose.

To review results of traumatic cataracts in children.

Methods.

This is a retrospective cohort study done at a tertiary eye care center at the junction of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan states in central western India. We enrolled children with specific inclusion criteria, examined their eyes to review the comorbidities due to trauma, performed surgery for traumatic cataracts, and implanted a lens, treating amblyopia if applicable. The patients were re-examined 6 weeks postoperatively. We divided the traumatic cataract cases into open-globe (group 1) and closed-globe (group 2) groups according to the ocular trauma based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System and compared the determinants of visual acuity.

Results.

Our cohort of 354 eyes with traumatic cataracts in children included 287 eyes in group 1 and 67 in group 2. Six weeks postoperatively, the visual acuity in the operated eye was >20/200 in 181 (63%) and ≥20/40 in 109 (38%) eyes in the open-globe group and >20/200 in 36 (53%) and ≥20/40 in 16 (22.4%) eyes in the closed-globe group (p = 0.143), and the difference between the groups was not significant in children. Overall, 125 (35.3%) eyes gained a visual acuity at 6 weeks of ≥20/40 and >20/200 in 214 (61.3%) cases.

Conclusions.

Satisfactory visual outcome can be achieved in children with traumatic cataracts, with no significant difference found among open- and closed-globe injuries in the pediatric age group.