Endophthalmitis in paediatric penetrating ocular injuries in Hyderabad

Objective: To determine the frequency, risk factors, and visual outcome of post traumatic endophthalmitis in children. Methods: The study was conducted on patients less than fifteen years age, presenting with penetrating ocular injuries and associated with endophthalmitis. Anterior segment slit lamp examination and if possible posterior segment slit lamp examination with 90 D fundoscopes was performed. After completing necessary investigations, urgent surgical intervention was carried out. Results: There were 43 registered patients with 29 (67.4%) males and 14 (32.6%) females. Twenty three (53.4%) children presented on the day of injury. Remaining 20 (46.6%) reported after first 24 hours. Twenty seven (62.7%) children presented with corneal wound, 11 (25.6%) had scleral entrance, and 5 (11.7%) patients had corneo scleral extension. Nineteen (44.1%) patients developed clinical evidence of endophthalmitis. Fifteen subjects with endophthalmitis completed six weeks follow up. Two (13.3%) subjects achieved final visual acuity (FVA) of 3/60. Four (26.7%) had only hand movements, 5 (33.4%) subjects were restricted to perception of light, and 2 (13.3%) patients developed phthisis bulbi. Conclusion: Delayed arrival of patients in eye hospital with open globe injury may result in endophthalmitis.