RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF WORK RELATED OCULAR INJURIES IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL, EGYPT

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular trauma is a major cause of visual impairment and morbidity worldwide. Aim of work: This study aimed to use discharge records of a tertiary hospital in Egypt to analyze the patterns of work related ocular injuries and prospectively document safety advice. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based, retrospective study conducted on admitted cases of work related ocular injuries in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt over a period of two years from January 2012 to December 2013. A total of 160 patients of ocular trauma were included. Demographic data, cause and type of injury were recorded as well as visual outcome was assessed. Results: Work related ocular injuries constituted (38.5%) of all admitted cases of eye injury in the Ophthalmic department in the hospital. Most of the injuries that occur appear to be relatively minor and most involve foreign bodies on the eye (46.1%). The majority had good final visual acuity outcomes. Eye injuries were predominant in construction workers (23.1%) followed by factory workers (21.9%) and farmers (19.4%). Grinding and drilling are the two most common tasks being performed when an eye injury developed. Deficient protective measures in workplaces seem to be the major cause of ocular injury. Conclusion: Work related eye injuries remain an important problem. Deficient protective measures in workplaces seem to be the major cause of ocular injury. It can be assumed that health education, as well as application of safety measures and regulations, will significantly reduce the incidence of work related eye injuries.