Epidemiology of Ocular Trauma in Paediatric Patients at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State

Ocular trauma in children is a leading cause of monocular blindness and has lifelong implications for visual development, psychosocial wellbeing, and quality of life. Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric ocular trauma in Nigeria's South South zone is critical for designing effective prevention programs. This study investigates the causes, patterns, and visual outcomes of ocular trauma in pediatric patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. A retrospective cohort design will be employed, reviewing clinical records of all patients under 16 years presenting with ocular trauma over a six-year period. Data extracted will include age, sex, mechanism of injury (open globe, blunt, chemical, radiation), anatomical site, initial visual acuity, management received, and final visual acuity at last follow-up. Injuries will be classified using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) and graded using the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS). Multiple regression will identify predictors of poor visual outcomes. The study expects to find that blunt trauma and projectile injuries predominate, with male children significantly overrepresented. Findings will be submitted to the Edo State Ministry of Education and the Safe Kids Nigeria initiative to guide school-based eye safety interventions. This research fills an important gap in the pediatric ocular trauma literature from Nigeria's South South zone and provides an evidence base for targeted injury prevention strategies. Keywords: ocular trauma, paediatrics, University of Benin, Edo State, visual outcomes