Posters

Profile and management outcomes of firework-related eye injuries in children

Poster Details

First Author: H.Al Ghadeer SAUDI ARABIA

Co Author(s):    R. Khandekar                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To present profile and management outcomes of firework related eye injuries in less than 15 years old Saudi children at a tertiary eye hospital of central Saudi Arabia.

Setting:

King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of cases with eye injuries managed at out institution between 1990 and 2014. Injuries were grouped as per BETT classification. Demographic information, clinical features at presentation, mode of management and visual outcome were evaluated.

Results:

117 eyes of 115 children [median 9 years (25% quartile 6 years), 16% girls] Nearly half of them were bystanders. The injuries were mainly due to Bangers (40.9%), firecrackers (23.5%) and rockets (24.3%),They presented with cataract (40.2%), Secondary glaucoma (18.8%), limbal Stem cell deficiency (12.0%), Iridodialysis (10.3%) and vitreous haemorrhage (9.4%). Management included penetrating injury repair (34.2%), lens removal IOL (22.2%), Removal of foreign body (7.7%), The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after treatment was 20/20 to 20/60 in 49 (36.8%), 20/70 to 20/200 in 27 (23.1%), <20/200 to 20/400 in 7 (6%) and <20/400 in 34 (29.1%) eyes.

Conclusions:

Fireworks related eye injuries were mainly in boys, due to bangers and projectile crackers. Although lens related sequel were main complications, severe visual impairment and blindness was in one third of managed cases. Preventive measures and prompt management of such injuries in children are recommended.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE