TRAUMATICALLY RUPTURED GLOBES IN CHILDREN

This retrospective study was designed to document the etiology of trau matically ruptured globes in children and to determine the prognostic value of several clinical parameters with respect to visual outcome. F orty-six children 16 years of age and under seen in the emergency room over a 2-year period were found to have full thickness penetration of the globe. Fifty-nine percent of injuries occurred during recreationa l activities, and 59% occurred outside of the home. Boys outnumbered g irls by a 6:1 ratio. For children, initial visual acuity proved to be less valuable as a prognostic indicator with regard to final vision th an has been reported in adults. Smaller corneal wounds offered better visual outcomes. Four eyes were enucleated. Ten ruptures (22%) were re lated to activity involving guns. Four of six BB gun injuries were the result of a ricocheted BB. Visual outcomes in gun-related injuries we re particularly poor.