[Etiology of pediatric ocular trauma in a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania].

Background: Ocular trauma in childhood is a major cause of unilateral acquired blindness in Africa [3]. The aim of the study was to identify the underlying mechanisms of injury in order to develop region-specific prevention strategies.

Patients and methods: The study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, during a 3-month observation period in spring 2019. All children under the age of 17 years who presented with acute eye injury or a history of ocular trauma within 4 years prior to presentation were included. The data collection was performed using a standardized questionnaire based on the UK Paediatric Ocular Trauma Study I, which was adapted to the specific local conditions.

Results: We included 49 patients. The mean age at the time of injury was 7 years. Boys were affected more often than girls (69% vs. 31%). The most frequent objects causing injury were wooden sticks (45%). The majority of the injuries happened at home (51%). Only 35% of the patients presented at an eye unit within 24 h after the injury, while 26% waited longer than 7 days. The most common clinical finding was corneal laceration (73%) and 33 patients needed immediate surgical treatment.

Conclusion: Ocular trauma in children is a frequent and important ophthalmological issue in Tanzania. To prevent these injuries, more public education concerning adult supervision and eye protection is needed. Furthermore, it is important to raise awareness about the need for an immediate presentation at an eye unit, which can help to achieve a better visual outcome.