Air bag-associated ocular trauma in children

Objective: To describe a series of children with ocular injuries related to air bag deployment. Design: Retrospective, observational case series. Participants: Seven patients with ocular injuries sustained in motor vehicl e accidents in which air bags were deployed. Methods: Review of medical records. Results: All patients had periocular contusions. Minor injuries included co rneal abrasions (n = 5), superficial eyelid laceration (n = 1), and traumat ic iritis (n = 2), Serious injuries included corneal edema (n 1) and a trau matic hyphema with secondary glaucoma and cataract (n = 1), The latter pati ent required surgery. All other injuries resolved with medical therapy. All patients recovered normal visual acuity. Conclusions: Serious ocular injuries in children may result from air bag de ployment. Most such injuries are minor and resolve without sequela. It is r ecommended that infants and children travel in the rear seat of automobiles to minimize their risk of injury, Ophthalmology 2000;107:1472-1475 (C) 200 0 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.