Abstract
Workers in the dry-cleaning industry are exposed to organic solvents that may cause eye irritation and tear film changes. Objective To quantify changes in the ocular surface and tear film in dry cleaners exposed to organic solvents and associate these changes with ocular irritation as reported in a symptom questionnaire for dry eye diagnosis. Methods This was a case and control study in which the characteristics and eye-irritation symptoms were compared between two groups of 62 participants that were either exposed or not exposed to organic solvents. A general optometric examination and the following test were performed: lipid interferometry, Lissamine Green Stain, tear breakup time, Schirmer I, conjunctival impression cytology and the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire. Results Sixty-five percent of exposed workers obtained a higher score than 13 on the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire which indicated the presence of more irritation symptoms than those in the non- exposed group. A Chi-square analysis indicated the exposed group reported significantly higher incidences (P <0.005) for eye irritation symptoms of sandy sensation; tearing eyes sensation; foreign body sensation; tearing; dry eye; dryness; eyestrain and heavy eyelids. A Mann Whitney-U indicated greater severity only for symptoms relating to dry eye; sandy sensation; foreign body sensation, tearing; tearing eyes and dryness. There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) for Schirmer I; tear break up time; and the ocular surface assessed with Lissamine green staining and conjunctival impression cytology between groups. A reduction in the thickness of the lipid layer in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group was observed. Surprisingly, clinical test outcomes were not significantly correlated with dry eye symptoms nor years of exposure. Conclusion Workers in the dry-cleaning industry exposed to organic solvents are associated with changes in ocular surface and tear film generating irritation symptoms commonly present in evaporative dry eye.
Highlights
Workers in the dry cleaning industry are commonly exposed to different occupational hazards and chemicals that may affect their general and, in particular, eye health [1]
Exposure to organic solvents leads to unpleasant odor perception and cutaneous irritation, but the level of irritation varies according to the type of compound, concentration, time of exposure, as well as the type of response action of each person [4,5]
While measuring concentration levels of organic solvents were beyond the scope of the present study, a risk assessment of the workplaces was conducted in accordance with the Occupational Health, Security and Safety OHSAS 180001 (BS OHSAS 18001 2004) international guidelines [26,27,28]
Summary
Workers in the dry cleaning industry are commonly exposed to different occupational hazards and chemicals that may affect their general and, in particular, eye health [1]. Principle among which is the exposure to handling chemicals such as ethylene perchlorate, tetrachloro ethylene, Exxon, and some bleaches and soaps. These highly volatile lipophilic chemicals are organic solvents and are widely used in the industry and in household products as a means of dissolving fats/lipids from garments and materials. Exposure to organic solvents leads to unpleasant odor perception and cutaneous irritation ( the eye and skin), but the level of irritation varies according to the type of compound, concentration, time of exposure, as well as the type of response action of each person [4,5]. Sensory irritation is considered a clinical sign and the effect of organic solvent exposure on sensory assault ( exposure limits that result in nasal and somatosensory irritation) must be considered in the regulation of their use and risk prevention plans [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
