Metallic corneal foreign bodies: an occupational health hazard.

PURPOSE: To analyze the risk factors, outcomes, demographic characteristics, and attitudes of workers with metallic corneal foreign body (FB) injury. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who presented with a metallic corneal FB to the eye clinic at Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital were evaluated. The patients completed a questionnaire and were examined to determine features of the injury. RESULTS: All patients were male. The mean age was 32.46 ± 1.03 years. Fifty-five percent of the patients were unregistered workers, 59% were working in the metal industry sector, and 65% injuries resulted from metal cutting. Protective goggles were available in the workplace of 64% patients. However, 57% patients were not wearing goggles when the accident occurred, and 43% were injured despite goggle use. Most patients (52%) attempted to remove FBs by themselves. FBs were located in the central zone of the cornea in 16% patients. Rust marks remained after FB removal in 26% patients. Corneal scars from previous FB injuries were present in 58% patients. Only 8% workplaces provided compensation for physician visits for occupation related illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: Workplaces with a high risk for eye injuries should increase their protective measures, and educational programs should be implemented for both workers and occupational physicians. The government should enforce laws regarding unregistered workers in a better manner.

Metallic corneal foreign bodies: an occupational health hazard / Corpos estranhos metálicos na córnea: um problema de saúde ocupacional

Purpose: To analyze the risk factors, outcomes, demographic characteristics, and attitudes of workers with metallic corneal foreign body (FB) injury. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients who presented with a metallic corneal FB to the eye clinic at Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital were evaluated. The patients completed a questionnaire and were examined to determine features of the injury. Results: All patients were male. The mean age was 32.46 ± 1.03 years. Fiftyfive percent of the patients were unregistered workers, 59% were working in the metal industry sector, and 65% injuries resulted from metal cutting. Protective goggles were available in the workplace of 64% patients. However, 57% patients were not wearing goggles when the accident occurred, and 43% were injured despite goggle use. Most patients (52%) attempted to remove FBs by themselves. FBs were located in the central zone of the cornea in 16% patients. Rust marks remained after FB removal in 26% patients. Corneal scars from previous FB injuries were present in 58% patients. Only 8% workplaces provided compensation for physician visits for occupation related illnesses. Conclusions: Workplaces with a high risk for eye injuries should increase their protective measures, and educational programs should be implemented for both workers and occupational physicians. The government should enforce laws regarding unregistered workers in a better manner. .

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores de risco, resultados, características demográficas dos trabalhadores e atitudes em relação à lesão por corpo estranho metálico na córnea. Métodos: Foram avaliados cem pacientes consecutivos que se apresentaram com corpo estranho metálico na córnea à clínica oftalmológica do Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital. Um questionário foi respondido e as características da lesão foram anotadas. Resultados: Todos os pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 32,46 ± 1,03 anos. Cinquenta e cinco por cento dos pacientes eram trabalhadores não registrados. Cinquenta e nove por cento dos pacientes estavam trabalhando no setor da indústria metal, 65% das lesões resultaram de corte de metal. A presença de óculos de proteção no local de trabalho foi de 64%. Cinquenta e sete por cento dos pacientes não estavam usando óculos de proteção no momento do acidente, e 43% sofreram a lesão, apesar do uso óculos de proteção. Cinquenta e dois por cento dos pacientes tentaram remover o corpo estranho por si só. Dezesseis por cento dos corpos estranhos foram na zona central da córnea. Um depósito de ferrugem permaneceu após a remoção do corpo estranho em 26% dos pacientes. Cinquenta e oito por cento dos pacientes tinham cicatrizes na córnea por causa de lesões por corpo estranho anteriores. Os locais de trabalho que proporcionaram remuneração por visita médica relacionada à ocupação foram de apenas 8%. Conclusões: Locais de trabalho de alto risco devem ser detectados e medidas de proteção devem ser aumentadas. Os programas educacionais devem ser implementados para os trabalhadores e médicos do trabalho. As leis sobre trabalhadores sem carteira assinada ...