Dog Bite Injuries in Children Affect Eyes When Bit on the Face More than Previously Thought

Dog bite injuries in children can be very scary for both the child and the parent especially when the dog bit is to the child's face. 

According to a recent study conducted by Albany Medical Center in New York facial dog bite injuries in children affect the eyes more than what was previously though. Approximately 1 out of every 7 children who receive emergency treatment for dog bite injuries to the face sustained ophthalmic injuries. An Ophthalmic injury is an injury to the eye. When eye injuries are caused by a dog bite it is more likely to have complications and require revision surgery than nonophthalmic dog bite injuries. 

When a child is bit in the face by a dog there is a large chance that the injury is to the child's eye according to the study, especially if the child is young (3-4 years old). The most common injuries children sustain to their eyes from a dog bite are to the eyelid or eyelids or to the canalicular system. These are two very delicate areas on a child and when injuries to either the eyelid(s) or canalicular area are present the emergency department or treating physician should contact an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon for additional evaluation. 

For more information on dog bite cases in New York continue reading here.

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