Trends in Eye Injuries and Associated Medical Costs among Children in the United States, 2002–2014

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To describe the trends in eye injuries and associated medical costs among children in the United States.

Methods: Data were from the 2002–2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Eye injuries in children aged <18 years were identified by the International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) codes. The trends of cumulative incidence of eye injury, total costs, and average costs were estimated from 2002-2014 MEPS data. All costs were adjusted to 2014 US dollars. Analyses accounted for the complex stratified multistage survey design of the MEPS. We used MarketScan data (2010–2013) to validate outpatient cost estimates.

Results: The 3-year average cumulative incidence of eye injuries declined from 0.56% in 2002–2004 to 0.31% in 2012–2014 (Trend p < 0.001). The average annual total costs decreased from $193 million during 2002–2004 to $66 million during 2012–2014 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The MEPS data showed that among children aged <18 years, the incidence of eye injuries and associated financial burden substantially declined during 2002–2014, highlighting the progress in preventing children eye injuries. Continuing efforts are needed to further reduce the burden in this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Children eye injury
• costs
• incidence
• trend

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of CDC.