Watch your eyes: Workplace ocular hazards presenting at a tertiary eye care centre in south India

Abstract

: Eye injuries can majorly affect individuals by reducing quality of life. In this study we report the prevalence of ocular trauma and the proportion of vision loss due to trauma presenting in tertiary care center.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.The study was a retrospective observational study, which included patient’s 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.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.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.