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Pediatric Surgery pp 1–20Cite as

Ophthalmic Trauma

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Abstract

Ocular trauma is the most common cause of uniocular blindness in children. Trauma to the eye and periocular region may occur by many mechanisms and can cause a wide spectrum of injuries ranging from superficial to vision-threatening. Injury may occur due to blunt trauma, penetrating injuries, projectile injuries, chemical exposure, explosions/blast injuries, and crush injuries. Open-globe injuries, where the eye wall has a full-thickness wound, are associated with poorer outcomes, compared to closed globe injuries.

Ocular trauma in children may occur in isolation or with associated head or systemic injury; therefore, it is vital that any potentially life-threatening injuries are identified and treated as a priority. If a ruptured globe is suspected, manipulation and examination of the eye should be kept to a minimum until the patient is in the operating theatre. Visual prognosis varies greatly depending on type and location of injury. Presenting visual acuity is a key factor in predicting final visual outcome. In children less than 7 or 8 years old, visual outcomes following a traumatic eye injury are dependent upon successful amblyopia management post injury.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cork University Hospital/South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland

    Ms. Sarah Moran

  2. Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    Prof. Michael O’Keefe

  3. The National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    Prof. Michael O’Keefe

Authors
  1. Ms. Sarah Moran
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  2. Prof. Michael O’Keefe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarah Moran .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, National Children’s Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland

    Prem Puri

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Moran, S., O’Keefe, M. (2020). Ophthalmic Trauma. In: Puri, P. (eds) Pediatric Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_132-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_132-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-38482-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-38482-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference MedicineReference Module Medicine

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