Epidemiology of pediatric open globe injuries presenting to emergency departments in the United States, 2009-2023.

PURPOSE: Analyze characteristics of pediatric open globe injuries (OGIs) between 2009 and 2023 presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS

OGI cases in patients under 21 years old were identified using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). National estimates and confidence intervals were calculated using NEISS weighted data.

RESULTS

The query provided 137 cases between 2009 and 2023, which extrapolated to an estimated 3206 cases nationally (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2170 - 4242). Injuries were most common in the 11-15-year age group (1050 cases, 32.8%, 95% CI: 767-1334). Males represented most cases (2617, 81.6%, 95% CI: 1792 - 3441). Chi-squared analysis revealed that individuals coded as White experienced the highest proportion of injuries (1822, 56.9%, 95% CI: 1081 - 2563). Most OGIs occurred at home (1294, 40.4%, 95% CI: 624-1964), followed by places of recreation and school. The top mechanism of injury was non-powder firearms and toy guns (824, 25.7%, 95% CI: 449-1199). No patients were recorded as wearing eye protection. The majority of patients (2523 patients, 79%, 95% CI: 1489 - 3556) were admitted or transferred, while 653 patients (20.3%, 95% CI: 332-973) were discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2009 and 2023, most pediatric OGIs in U.S. EDs occurred in males aged 11-15, predominantly White patients, usually at home without eye protection. Non-powder firearms were the leading cause, and patients were more often admitted than discharged. These results highlight the importance of public health messaging and education about ocular safety in pediatric populations.