Eye complications after head trauma in children

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess the importance and frequency of ocular complications of head trauma. Material and Method: This research paper presents a cross-sectional study of 77 children with head injury. The study was carried out at the University Hospital "Prof. Dr. Stoian Kirkovich", Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, Department of Neurosurgery. Participants were recruited consecutively into the study during the period from January 2016 to January 2018 and underwent a thorough ophthalmic and neurosurgical examination. The analysis included age, sex, the cause of head injury, and ocular findings. Results: The leading causes of head injury were domestic accidents (45.5%) and fall in playgrounds (33.8%). Ocular findings were observed in 56 (72.72%) cases of head injury. Most common complications were ocular adnexa damage (29.9%) and anterior segment damage (27.3%). Severe damage including orbital fractures was found in 1 patient. There is no statistically significant difference in gender, although males were more prone to sports activity related accidents. The main complaint of males was the pain in the ocular area, while females considered the swelling a primary concern. Age also plays a factor, with the highest frequency of incidences between 10 and 15 years. Discussion: Additional problems which require attention are head trauma due to child abuse, overprotective parents exacerbating the children's complaints and the need for emergency evaluation of visually asymptomatic patients with orbital fractures.