ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Forklift and crane industry in India is progressing at a rapid pace and the visual integrity of the operators is crucial for occupational safety. Hence, we performed a vision screening at a factory based in Mumbai. AIMS: To evaluate the current visual status of forklift and crane operators working at a factory in Mumbai. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective observational cross-sectional. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All forklift and crane operators were invited to undertake visual examination that included visual acuity (VA) assessment, refraction, slit-lamp examination, color vision assessment, visual field assessment, and stereopsis. Referrals were made for participants who needed further assessment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean and standard deviation were calculated and presented. RESULTS: A total of 66 forklift operators with an average age of 48 years that ranged from 26-60 years completed the study. The average distance VA in LogMAR with current spectacles was 0.1 ± 0.14. The near VA with usual spectacles averaged at 0.63 M ± 0.2 M. The best-corrected VA (BCVA) of 0 LogMAR was not achieved by 12% subjects; however, all participants except one met the 0.3 LogMAR visual acuity criteria. The average stereopsis was 55.8 ± 47.8 with 8% operators had lower than acceptable levels of stereopsis while 7% could not meet the set criteria. One operator had 400 s of an arc and 4 had 100 s of arc stereopsis. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates an urgent need to set up standards for vision assessment at the time of employment and frequency of eye examination for forklift and other powered industrial vehicles.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess contrast sensitivity and macular function test in prediabetes. METHODS: Participants aged 25-45 years with or without diabetes were enrolled and classified as normal, prediabetic, and diabetic based on their HbA1C values. They underwent a comprehensive eye examination, and those with diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and high myopia were excluded. Participants with best-corrected visual acuity of 0 logMAR were included. Contrast-sensitivity function (CSF) was measured using a Pelli-Robson chart, and photo stress-recovery time (PSRT) assessed using direct ophthalmoscopy for the 70 eligible participants. Mean values were compared among the three groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. RESULTS: In the 70 participants, mean CSF was 1.71±0.10, 1.64±0.11, and 1.61±0.08 log units in the normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups, respectively (p<0.001). Similarly, PSRT was found to be 35.80 seconds, 41.63 seconds, and 47.77 seconds in the normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The data suggested that reduced CSF and delayed PSRT seen in subjects with prediabetes could give valuable clinical insight into early changes before diabetes and microvascular damage is incurred. A future study with a larger sample could help substantiate the results.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Blindness and Vision impairment remains a major public health issue not only in rural but also in urban areas. Concept of using peripheral health centers to render primary health care services to the community was a WHO proposed model. However, establishing them in urban slums is a challenge as most of the slums are illegal establishments. So, aim was to establish vision centers for providing primary eye care services in the urban slums of Mumbai, West India. METHODS: Vision centers were established in various slum pockets of Mumbai from the year 2008 till 2009. Refraction and screening for ocular morbidity were carried out for those who attended this center and management for uncorrected refractive errors was done. RESULTS: Data from 6 such vision centers located in various slum pockets of Mumbai city from April 9 to March 2011 were collected and analyzed. Of the 19,550 adults, 2270 (11.61%) had moderate vision impairment with presenting visual acuity of <0.5 LogMAR in both eyes. Severe Visual impairment was seen in (723) 3.70%. Blindness was seen in (357) 1.82%. Of the 2993, which were moderately and severely visually impaired, 1893 subjects that is, 63.24% of them improved to 0.2 LogMAR or better with spectacle correction. CONCLUSIONS: About 63.24% of visual impairment was due to uncorrected refractive errors, these included both moderately and severely vision impaired. Totally, 357 (1.82%) were also identified as blind. This model of vision centers has a role in the identification and management of sight-threatening problems.
