Welding associated ocular injuries

ABSTRACT

To determine the types of eye injuries during welding and to suggest measures for its prevention. This study was carried out at CMH Sialkot from October 2005 to March 2007. An observational study was conducted at [18 months]. Welders included in this study were from military setups i.e. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering [EME] workshops, battalion workshops, Military Engineering Services [MES] and civil workshops. They attended eye OPD for their ocular injuries, sustained during welding and grinding. Their knowledge of welding induced ocular injuries and level of safety measures awareness was assessed. Patients were thoroughly examined with special emphasis on anterior segment. Orbital x-ray and B-scan ultrasound were carried out where intraocular foreign body [IOFB] was suspected. Total 110 patients were studied during a period of 18 months. The commonest ocular injury that we encountered was metallic foreign body followed by photokeratitis and conjunctivitis. Majority workers were between 25 and 35 years of age. Their knowledge of safety measures was satisfactory but few were aware of ocular hazards of welding. Eye injuries due to welding are preventable. Workers performing welding tasks or working nearby welders must be trained, to reco gnize the potential hazards of welding and in proper use of safety equipments to prevent ocular damage