Evaluation of pediatric ophthalmic consultations in a tertiary care university hospital

Abstract

Aim: To characterize the patient groups referred to the ophthalmology clinic from the pediatrics clinic and to determine the frequency of the findings. Material and Method: The patients consulted to Balıkesir University Eye Clinic by the Pediatrics Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into rule-out and ocular symptom groups. Reasons for consultation and ocular findings were recorded. Results: The mean age of 116 patients included in the study was 8.04±4.11 years. Of the patients included in the study, 75 (64.7%) rule-out 41 (35.3%) were in the ocular symptom group. 41 (54.7%) patients in the rule-out group were those who applied for headaches and requested an examination of the fundus and optic disc. Papilledema was detected in 7 (17.1%) patients with headache. Of the patients in the ocular symptom group, 11 (26.8%) were consulted for ocular trauma, 11 (26.8%) for red eye, and 7 (17.1%) for preseptal/orbital cellulitis. Preseptal cellulitis was detected in 4 (57.1%) patients consulted for preseptal/orbital cellulitis. Ocular findings were detected in 10 (91%) patients consulted for trauma. Conjunctivitis was detected in 9 (81.8%) patients who were consulted with red eyes. Conclusion: In the pediatric age group, ophthalmic consultation is mainly performed due to rule-out. The most common reason is the examination of the fundus of the eye due to headache. It is crucial for pediatric age groups to consult an ophthalmologist by performing an eye and vision examination by a pediatrician in terms of early diagnosis and treatment.