Air bag-associated ocular trauma in children

Objective: To describe a series of children with ocular injuries related to air bag deployment. Design: Retrospective, observational case series. Participants: Seven patients with ocular injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in which air bags were deployed. Methods: Review of medical records. Results: All patients had periocular contusions. Minor injuries included corneal abrasions (n = 5), superficial eyelid laceration (n = 1), and traumatic iritis (n = 2). Serious injuries included corneal edema (n = 1) and a traumatic hyphema with secondary glaucoma and cataract (n = 1). The latter patient required surgery. All other injuries resolved with medical therapy. All patients recovered normal visual acuity. Conclusions: Serious ocular injuries in children may result from air bag deployment. Most such injuries are minor and resolve without sequela. It is recommended that infants and children travel in the rear seat of automobiles to minimize their risk of injury. (C) 2000 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.