Assessing the impact of covid-19 on pediatric ocular trauma: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care eye hospital in Pakistan

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence and characteristics of ocular trauma  in children presenting during pandemic to those in pre-pandemic era.
Method: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all children with ocular injuries presenting to hospital emergency department. Data was analyzed from March 24, 2020 (the day lockdown implemented in our country) to March 23, 2021 and compared with the same study period from previous year (March 24, 2019 to March 23, 2020).
Results: In 2020 study period, ocular trauma reduced to 35% of all emergency cases (n=1140) as compared to 55% in 2019 (n=2349). In 2020, injuries due to household chemicals increased to 5.5% (n=57) than 2.9% (n=74) in 2019. Outdoor trauma was more prevalent than indoor trauma (68% in 2019; 62.3% in 2020). The commonest presentation was penetrating injury in both groups (25% in 2019; 46.3% in 2020). During pandemic, a significant reduction in road traffic accidents related ocular injuries  were observed (8% n=91 vs 15.2% n=373 in 2019). There was 3-folds rise in endophthalmitis related vision loss during pandemic (9.2% vs 3.4% in 2019). A significant increase in assault related (5 times) and media inspired (3 times) injuries were observed in 2020 study group.
Conclusion: Ocular trauma is a major cause of vision loss in children, the importance of seeking timely treatment should be stressed to all caregivers to prevent ocular morbidities.

5 key words: Covid-19 pandemic, Ocular trauma, Vision loss, Endophthalmitis, Penetrating trauma.

Dr. Rabeeah Zafar embarked on her ophthalmology career in 2014 as a resident trainee, later earning her FCPS- General Ophthalmology in 2019 and FCPS- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus in 2025 from the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan. She is also Fellow of International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO) from UK. Currently, she is serving as an Assistant Professor in Children Eye Hospital, Al-Shifa Trust Rawalpindi, contributing significantly to pediatric eye care in Pakistan. Dr. Zafar's dedication extends to research, with notable publications and presentations in national and international forums. She also plays a vital role as a reviewer for leading ophthalmology journals. Committed to professional development, she holds memberships in prestigious medical bodies and actively engages in philanthropic initiatives, including her role as a founding and executive member of The Saving Smiles Foundation. Dr. Zafar's multifaceted contributions underscore her commitment to advancing ophthalmology and improving eye healthcare for children in Pakistan and beyond.