Pattern of ocular injury in pediatric patients visiting a tertiary eye hospital in Eastern Nepal

Abstract Background: Pediatric ocular trauma is a leading cause of preventable visual morbidity and monocular blindness worldwide. The epidemiology and clinical patterns of ocular injuries vary across regions due to differences in environmental exposure, socioeconomic factors, and supervision practices. Understanding local injury patterns is essential to informing targeted prevention strategies and optimizing clinical management. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Biratnagar Eye Hospital, a tertiary eye care center in Eastern Nepal, between April and September ۲۰۲۳. Pediatric patients younger than ۱۶ years presenting for the first time with ocular trauma were consecutively enrolled. Data on demographic characteristics, educational status, causative agents, place and anatomical zone of injury, clinical diagnosis, and management approach were collected using a structured proforma. Injuries were categorized based on anatomical zones, and management was classified as medical, surgical, or observational. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of ۲۶۰ children were included, ۱۸۴ (۷۰.۸%) of whom were male. The highest incidence of ocular trauma was observed in children aged ۶–۱۰ years (n = ۱۱۵, ۴۴.۲%). Stick- or wood-related injuries were the most common cause (n = ۸۵, ۳۲.۷%), followed by injuries from iron or other sharp objects (n = ۴۵, ۱۷.۳%). The majority of injuries occurred at home (n = ۱۷۰, ۶۵.۴%). Open globe injuries constituted the most frequent diagnosis (n = ۱۰۱, ۳۸.۸%), while Zone I injuries accounted for ۹۶.۹% (n = ۲۵۲) of cases, indicating predominant anterior segment involvement. Medical management alone was sufficient in ۵۸.۰% (n = ۱۵۰) of patients, whereas ۴۰.۰% (n = ۱۰۴) required surgical intervention. Conclusions: Pediatric ocular trauma in Eastern Nepal predominantly affects school-aged boys and frequently occurs in the home environment due to largely preventable causes. The substantial burden of open globe and anterior segment injuries highlights the need for strengthened injury prevention strategies, enhanced parental supervision, and timely access to specialized ophthalmic care. Targeted community education and coordinated trauma management approaches may help reduce the incidence and visual consequences of pediatric ocular injuries. Keywords: children trauma corneal trauma prognoses eyes eye injury home accidents boys girls