To compare the causes and clinical manifestations of pediatric ocular injuries according to grade level.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 78 children, 15 years and younger, who had been hospitalized for pediatric ocular injuries, classified them into three groups according to grade level, and compared their clinical manifestations.

Eighteen (23.1%) were preschoolers, 39 (50.0%) were elementary school students, and 21 (26.9%) were middle and high school students. The most common causes of injury included toys and household goods at home in the preschool group, toys and sporting activity at home and school in the elementary school group, and sporting activity at school in the middle and high school group. The incidence of ocular injury was higher in the 'without supervision group' (57.7%); however, in the preschool group, it was higher (72.2%) even in the 'supervision group' (P<0.05). In the preschool group, the incidence of perforating ocular injury (P<0.05) and the rate of surgical treatment (P<0.05) were higher than those of other groups.

The causes and clinical manifestations of pediatric ocular injury were different according to school degree. The incidence of pediatric ocular injuries can be decreased more efficiently by recognizing these differences.