Publication:

Workplace eye safety: a neglected essential

Background An occupational hazard is a hazard experienced in the workplace. This includes many types of hazards like chemical hazards, biological hazards, psychosocial hazards and physical hazards. Occupational ocular trauma holds significant proportion of visual morbidity worldwide. This can be prevented with the use of proper protective eyewear and strict compliance. This survey was conducted to study occupational related ocular hazard in our tertiary health care system hospital having patients involved in various occupations.

Methods A total of 90 occupational ocular injuries were recorded during study period. The age group of the patients to be studied was between 20 to 60 years. Brief history of present complaints, detailed clinical history and occupation history as like type of work, working environment, place, working hours was recorded. Required ophthalmological check-up was done. All valid responses were tabulated and analysed. Appropriate treatment was given.

Results Our study showed that majority (85.6%) of patients were not wearing protective eye equipment. Male to female ratio was approximately 3:1. Major age group affected was between 31-40 years (41.1%). Welders (40%) were more prone to injury occupation wise.

Conclusions Occupational eye injury is often severe and it contributes to significant loss. Incompliance of appropriate protective eye wear can lead to potential eye damage and permanent blindness.