Original Article July 22, 2026 July 22, 2026

A best friend or a villain? Dog bites causing ocular trauma and eyelid injuries in children

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260067

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To describe the profile of childhood ocular trauma and eyelid injuries in children under 10 years old in an ophthalmologic emergency unit.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study reviewing medical records of patients under 10 years old at a referral hospital in the ophthalmologic emergency, from 2018 to 2023. The following Information was collected from the patient: the history and the type of trauma, and details involved. Lesion description and surgical management were also verified.

Results:

A total of 46 patients presented eyelids injuries for trauma, and 59%(n=27) dog bite victims were identified. Twenty-one patients sustained canalicular lacerations and the inferior eyelid was the most affected area. Regarding the location of the accident, 14 patients were bitten in their home by a family dog. All children were operated on within 48 hours of the trauma and, in most cases, by a specialist in Ocular Plastics.

Conclusion:

Ocular accidents occurred more frequently at home, and dog bites are the first cause for eyelid injuries in children. Education and prevention programs for childhood ocular trauma are necessary to reduce the occurrence of these potentially avoidable accidents.