Watch your Eyes: Workplace Ocular hazards presenting at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre In South India

Meghana S Kotre,
Dr.SOUMYA SHARAT*

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of occupational ocular injuries and the degree of visual loss in patients attending a tertiary eye care hospital in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study, which included patients aged 16 years and older attending Outpatient department of a tertiary eye care hospital following ocular trauma at workplace. The study took place across a six-month duration. A detailed demographic profile and history of the patient was documented. Patient underwent comprehensive ocular examination and further orbital imaging if necessary. The ocular injuries were classified using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System. RESULTS: This study included 210 patients, with a mean age group of 21-30 years. Men had a more than five-times higher rate of eye injury at work than women; with the most common mode of injury being metallic foreign body (75%). The predominant ocular injuries were categorized as closed globe injuries with 83 % incidence. 67% of the patients needed surgical intervention. CONCLUSION Most work-related eye injuries often result from inadequate eye protection, with the majority of affected patients being young men, which highlights the importance of implementing preventive measures early in their careers. This study underscores the need of awareness and prevention programs for eye protection at workplace.