Pediatric retinal damage due to soccer-ball-related injury: Results from the last decade

Objective: To outline the incidence of posterior segment injuries related to soccer-ball blunt trauma in children. Methods: Retrospective search of the computerized hospital medical database between the years 2007 and 2017. All pediatric trauma cases were reviewed and cases with blunt trauma related to direct orbital/ocular hit from a soccer-ball were included. Cases were divided into two groups (non-severe and severe) based on the presence of sight-threatening findings on presentation (e.g. retinal tear, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and macular edema). Results: Out of 343 pediatric patients with relevant diagnoses, 14 (4.1%) were treated for injuries related to soccer-ball trauma. All patients were males at their early-to-mid teens (14.3 ± 2.1 years). The most common funduscopic finding was peripheral commotio retina (13, 93%). There was equal distribution between the two groups (seven each). Retinal injury in the severe group included retinal tear (3), vitreous hemorrhage (4), retinal detachment (1), and macular hole (1). Five patients in this group presented with visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Rate of external signs of injury were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Soccer-ball blunt trauma in children can cause significant posterior segment injuries regardless of the presence of external injury or ocular complaints. A thorough ocular exam is mandatory in all cases for the detection of vision-threatening retinal injuries.