Epidemiology of Open Globe Injury in Children at a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan

Open globe injuries (OGI) represent a significant cause of visual impairment among children, yet the epidemiology of such injuries remains under-researched, particularly in developing countries. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of open globe injuries among children at the Prince Hamzah Hospital in Amman, Jordan, over a four-year period from January 2014 to January 2018. The study aims to identify risk factors associated with these injuries and propose targeted prevention strategies.

### Introduction Open globe injuries are defined as full-thickness injuries to the eye, which can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness, particularly in children. The causes of these injuries are predominantly preventable, with studies suggesting that up to 90% of cases could be avoided through increased awareness and preventive measures (Négrel AD, Thylefors B, 1998). The current study seeks to fill the gap in the literature regarding the epidemiology of OGI in children within Jordanian society.

### Methodology The research was a retrospective analysis of 67 pediatric OGI cases identified from hospital records, conducted by a team of ophthalmologists including Dr. Mohammad Saleh Abu-Ain, Professor at The Hashemite University, and his colleagues. The data collected included patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, and clinical outcomes. The Institutional Review Board of The Hashemite University approved the study, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines.

### Results Out of the 67 identified cases, 59 patients were included in the final analysis. A significant majority (78%) of the patients were male, with a mean age of 9.34 years. The most common cause of injury was sharp objects, accounting for 78% of incidents, with broken glass being the leading culprit. Notably, most injuries occurred in domestic settings, particularly among younger children. The study also identified a troubling trend of workplace injuries, which were more prevalent in older children aged 11-16 years.

Statistical analysis revealed that the mean presenting visual acuity was 1.7 Log MAR, decreasing significantly to 0.8 Log MAR at the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.0001). Fifty-one percent of patients ultimately achieved a visual acuity of better than 6/12, while 24% were left with a vision worse than 6/60. Complications included corneal scarring in 81% of cases, highlighting the need for improved treatment protocols.

### Discussion The findings of this study underscore the critical need for enhanced public awareness and preventive measures regarding open globe injuries. The high incidence of injuries due to sharp objects in domestic settings suggests a lack of safety protocols and education among parents and caregivers. Dr. Motasem Mohammad Al-latayfeh, a co-author of the study, emphasized that “targeted educational campaigns should focus on the dangers of sharp objects in homes and the importance of supervision in play environments.”

Additionally, the study revealed a concerning pattern of workplace injuries among older children, indicating that socioeconomic factors may play a role in the prevalence of OGI. This aligns with findings from other studies indicating that children in developing nations are often required to work in hazardous conditions without appropriate safety measures (Bunting H, et al., 2013).

### Recommendations To address these alarming trends, the study authors recommend several strategies: 1. **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Launch initiatives aimed at educating parents and caregivers about the risks associated with household objects and the importance of supervision. 2. **Safety Regulations:** Implement regulations mandating the provision of safety equipment in workplaces and the establishment of safe play areas for children. 3. **Educational Programs:** Introduce safety education programs in schools to raise awareness among children regarding eye safety and injury prevention.

### Conclusion This study is a crucial step in understanding the epidemiology of open globe injuries in children in Jordan. By identifying the risk factors and the demographics of affected children, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to reduce the incidence of these preventable injuries.

### References 1. Négrel AD, Thylefors B. "The global impact of eye injuries." Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 1998;5(3):143–169. 2. Bunting H, Stephens D, Mireskandari K. "Prediction of visual outcomes after open globe injury in children: a 17-year Canadian experience." J Am Assoc Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2013;17(1):43–48. 3. Abu-Ain MS, Al-latayfeh MM, Shatnawi R, Khan MI. "Epidemiology of Open Globe Injury in Children at a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan." Clinical Ophthalmology, Volume 19, 2025; 2271–2279.