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Occupational open globe injuries.
Indian J Ophthalmol ; 2001 Mar; 49(1): 43-7
Article in English | IMSEAR | ID: sea-72369
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Occupational ocular trauma is an important cause of acquired monocular blindness in a rapidly industrialising country like India. Knowledge of the epidemiology of occupational eye injuries is essential to formulate viable industrial safety measures.

METHOD:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with occupational open globe injuries between 1994 and 1998. We documented the circumstances of the injuries, their clinical findings and the use of appropriate protective eyewear at the time of the injury. The visual acuity 6 months after the injury was the final outcome measure.

RESULTS:

In this study period we examined 43 patients with open globe injuries sustained at the work place. Thirty-four (79.1%) patients were young males. The iron and steel industry accounted for 19 (44.2%) cases while 8 (18.6%) patients each were from the agricultural, mining and other small scale industrial sectors. At the time of the injury, 33 (76.7%) were not wearing the recommended protective eyewear and 6 (13.9%) were under the influence of alcohol. The injuries were mild in 6 (13.9%), moderate in 18 (41.9%) and severe in 19 (44.2%) patients. At the end of 6 months, 2 (4.7%) patients had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better, 4 (9.3%) had a visual acuity of 6/18 to 6/60 and 29 (67.4.%) had a vision of <6/60. Eight (18.6%) patients were not available for follow up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Occupational open globe injuries are usually severe and are associated with a poor visual outcome. Mandatory use of protective eyewear and alcohol-free environment at the work place is likely to reduce the incidence of severe occupational open globe injuries.
Subject(s)
Full text: Available Index: IMSEAR (South-East Asia) Main subject: Female / Humans / Male / Alcohol Drinking / Accidents, Occupational / Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Trauma Severity Indices / Incidence / Retrospective Studies / Risk Factors Type of study: Etiology study / Incidence study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Risk factors Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol Year: 2001 Type: Article

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Full text: Available Index: IMSEAR (South-East Asia) Main subject: Female / Humans / Male / Alcohol Drinking / Accidents, Occupational / Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Trauma Severity Indices / Incidence / Retrospective Studies / Risk Factors Type of study: Etiology study / Incidence study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Risk factors Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol Year: 2001 Type: Article