**20. Ocular trauma in children**

Ocular traumas in childhood are frequent and major causes of visual impairment, especially of unilateral non-congenital blindness in this age group. The frequency of eye traumas is almost double in boys especially in older age groups. This may be due to boys being more adventurous and aggressive. The 0-5 years of age group was at greatest risk regardless of gender.

Pediatric Ophthalmology / Eye and Disorders 27

immediately by irrigation with copious amounts of water as soon as possible. The type of injury, severity and the initial visual acuity are important prognostic factors for the final visual outcome. The visual prognosis is better if immediate diagnosis and treatment is provided and therefore it is important for the general physicians to recognize the severity of the trauma, provide suitable medical management and refer to the ophthalmologist as soon

Most eye injuries can be avoided by simple measures, but still many children face serious visual impairment due to trauma. Most of the eye injuries occur at homes, in streets and roads, in schools and in other child care facilities. Adult supervision is an important factor for the prevention especially for the younger age groups. More than half of the injuries are without adult supervision at the time of event. Trauma is one of the most important preventable causes of blindness in children. Important points in prevention include parental supervision, education of children and protective eye-wears when necessary. Protective eye wears such as polycarbonate goggles should especially be recommended to functionally one

Recognition of eye injuries, taking immediate measures and referral to an ophthalmologist

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as possible (Moreira et al., 1988; Serrano et al., 2003).

**20.3 Prevention of eye injuries** 

eyed children (Mulvihill et al., 1997).

**21. References** 
