Personal protective equipment during COVID-19: A natural history of dental and dental hygiene regulatory guidance in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, there is evidence that COVID-19-specific infection prevention and control guideline (IPCG) documents formulated for oral health care settings are also changing rapidly. To better inform future policies, a comprehensive review of all IPCG documents across different phases of restrictions for oral health care practitioners is required. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: A search was performed for documents shared from March 2020 through January 2022 on websites of oral health regulatory authorities in Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories. The authors performed a narrative review of the identified IPCG documents for dentists (n = 78) and dental hygienists (n = 57). RESULTS: Overall findings from more than 100 IPCG documents distributed during a period of 23 months revealed that the frequency of these updates differed among jurisdictions and between the 2 oral health care practitioners (ie, dentists and dental hygienists) within the same jurisdiction. The most notable observation was the different face-covering recommendations for dentists and dental hygienists within the same jurisdiction during the same timeframe. A common document was sometimes observed for dentists and dental hygienists, however, most jurisdictions had separate IPCG documents. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The different approaches could have been justified on the basis of prevalence of COVID-19 and availability of personal protective equipment; however, there was a risk of creating confusion about IPCG best practices. The findings of this review will support decision makers when planning future development and dissemination of regulations for all oral health care practitioners.

Assessment of dental health care personnel protocol deviations and self-contamination during personal protective equipment donning and doffing.

BACKGROUND: Dental health care personnel (DHCP) may be at increased risk of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other clinically important pathogens. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces occupational exposure to pathogens. The authors performed an assessment of PPE donning and doffing practices among DHCP, using a fluorescent marker as a surrogate for pathogen transmission. METHODS: Participants donned PPE (that is, disposable gown, gloves, face mask, and eye protection) and the fluorescent marker was applied to their palms and abdomen. DHCP then doffed PPE according to their usual practices. The donning and doffing processes were video recorded, areas of fluorescence were noted, and protocol deviations were assessed. Statistical analyses included frequency, type, and descriptions of protocol deviations and factors associated with fluorescence. RESULTS: Seventy DHCP were enrolled. The donning and doffing steps with the highest frequency of protocol deviations were hand hygiene (66% of donning and 78% of doffing observations involved a deviation) and disposable gown use (63% of donning and 60% of doffing observations involved a deviation). Fluorescence was detected on 69% of DHCP after doffing, most frequently on hands. An increasing number of protocol deviations was significantly associated with increased risk of fluorescence. DHCP with a gown doffing deviation, excluding doffing out of order, were more likely to have fluorescence detected. CONCLUSIONS: DHCP self-contamination was common with both donning and doffing PPE. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Proper use of PPE is an important component of occupational health.

Uso de elementos de protección personal en la atención del parto vaginal en tiempos de COVID-19 / Use of Personal Protective Equipment When Providing Vaginal Delivery Care in Times of COVID-19 / Uso de elementos de proteção individual na assistência ao parto vaginal em tempos de COVID-19

Introducción. En diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, China, se presentó un brote de neumonía atípica generado por el virus SARS-CoV-2, el cual es un tipo de coronavirus causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, que se convirtió con el tiempo en una pandemia. En este contexto, el uso de los elementos de protección personal tomó un especial interés, en especial para la atención del trabajo de parto vaginal, dada la confusión en los círculos obstétricos respecto a la mejor forma de proteger al personal sanitario en dichos casos. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es identificar cuáles son los elementos de protección personal indicados en la atención del parto vaginal y su correcto uso en tiempos de COVID-19. División de temas tratados. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura accediendo a las bases de datos: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Académico y sitios web como la Organización Mundial de la salud (OMS), Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos (ACOG), entre otros. Se usaron palabras claves como "Infecciones por Coronavirus", "Parto Normal", "Protección Personal", "Personal de Salud", "Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria" y "Dispositivos de Protección de los Ojos". La literatura permitió identificar aspectos introductorios al tema, epidemiología, características generales de los elementos de protección personal, y los elementos específicos para el uso correcto en la atención del parto vaginal. Conclusiones. El trabajo de parto es considerado como un procedimiento generador de aerosoles, por lo que se recomienda principalmente el uso de tapabocas N95 o un respirador que ofrezca mayor protección para personal de salud en la atención del parto vaginal, con el fin de evitar la infección por SARS-CoV-2; sin embargo, se debe insistir en el uso adecuado y completo de los elementos de protección personal como lo son la bata quirúrgica, el gorro, el protector ocular y guantes, independientemente de la sintomatología de la paciente.

Introduction. In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an outbreak of atypical pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a type of coronavirus causative of COVID-19, which overtime became a pandemic. In this context, the use of personal protective equipment is of special interest, especially when providing care in vaginal delivery, due to the confusion in obstetric circles regarding the best way to protect healthcare personnel in these cases. The objective of this review article is to identify which are the personal protective elements indicated for providing care in vaginal birth and their correct use during COVID-19. Division of Covered Topics. A narrative review of the literature was carried out, accessing the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for the Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among others. Keywords such as "Coronavirus Infections", "Normal Birth," Personal Protective Elements," "Healthcare Personnel", "Respiratory Protective Devices", and "Eye Protection Devices" were used. The literature allowed us to identify introductory aspects on the matter, epidemiology, general characteristics of personal protective elements, and the specific elements for correct use when providing care in vaginal birth. Conclusions. Labor is considered an aerosol-generating procedure. Therefore, the main recommendation is the use of an N95 mask or a respirator which allows for greater protection for healthcare personnel when assisting vaginal birth, in order to avoid infection due to SARS-CoV-2. However, there must be an adequate and complete use of personal protective equipment, such as surgical gowns, hats, eye protection and gloves, regardless of the patient's symptomatology

Introdução. Em dezembro de 2019 em Wuhan, na China, houve um surto de pneumonia atípica gerada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, que é um tipo de coronavírus que causa a doença COVID-19, que, com o tempo, acabou se tornando uma pandemia. Nesse contexto, o uso de elementos de proteção individual tornou-se de particular interesse, especialmente para a assistência do parto vaginal, dada a confusão nos círculos obstétricos quanto à melhor forma de proteger os profissionais da saúde nesses casos. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é identificar os elementos de proteção individual indicados na assistência do parto vaginal e seu uso correto em tempos de COVID-19. Divisão de tópicos abordados. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura acessando as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar e sites como a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), Centros de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças (CDC, na sigla em inglês) e o Colégio Americano de Obstetras e Ginecologistas (ACOG), entre outros. Foram utilizadas palavras-chave como "Infecções por Coronavírus", "Parto Normal", "Proteção Pessoal", "Pessoal de Saúde", "Dispositivos de Proteção Respiratória" e "Dispositivos de Proteção Ocular". A literatura permitiu identificar aspectos introdutórios ao tema, epidemiologia, características gerais dos elementos de proteção individual e elementos específicos para o uso correto na assistência do parto vaginal. Conclusões. O trabalho de parto é considerado um procedimento gerador de aerossóis, portanto, recomenda-se principalmente o uso de máscaras N95 ou um respirador que ofereça maior proteção para os profissionais de saúde na assistência do parto vaginal, a fim de evitar a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2; no entanto, deve-se insistir no uso adequado e completo de elementos de proteção individual, como bata cirúrgica, touca, protetor ocular e luvas, independentemente dos sintomas do paciente.

Influence of safety glasses, body height and magnification on the occupational eye lens dose during pelvic vascular interventions: a phantom study.

OBJECTIVE: By simulating a fluoroscopic-guided vascular intervention, two differently designed radiation safety glasses were compared. The impacts of changing viewing directions and body heights on the eye lens dose were evaluated. Additionally, the effect of variable magnification levels on the arising scattered radiation was determined. METHODS: A phantom head, replacing the operator's head, was positioned at different heights and rotated in steps of 20° in the horizontal plane. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), placed in the left orbit of the phantom, detected eye lens doses under protected and completely exposed conditions. In a second step, radiation dose values with increasing magnification levels were detected by RaySafe i3 dosimeters. RESULTS: Changing eye levels and head rotations resulted in a wide range of dose reduction factors (DRF) from 1.1 to 8.5. Increasing the vertical distance between the scattering body and the protective eyewear, DRFs markedly decreased for both glasses. Significant differences between protection glasses were observed. Increasing magnification with consecutively decreasing FOV size variably reduced the dose exposure to the eye lens between 47 and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The safety glasses in the study effectively reduced the dose exposure to the eye lens. However, the extent of the protective effect was significant depending on eye levels and head rotations. This may lead to a false sense of safety for the medical staff. In addition, the application of magnification reduced the quantity of scattering dose significantly. To ensure safe working in the Cath-lab, additional use of protective equipment and the differences in design of protective eyewear should be considered. KEY POINTS: • Eye lens dose changes with physical size of the interventionist and viewing direction. • The use of magnification during fluoroscopic-guided interventions reduces scattered radiation.

Occupational Ocular Injuries and Utilization of Eye Protective Devices among Sawmill Workers in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

In this work, we carried out a cross-sectional study to assess occupational ocular injuries and utilization of eye protective devices among sawmill workers in the Ojo local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria A structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews among the sawmill workers. Pearson's chi-squared test and t-test were used to test associations between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 215 sawmill workers with a mean age of 37.08 ± 12.07 years participated in the study. A majority (55.8%) of the participants were male (93.7%), and a majority were 21-40 years old (55.8%). Of the participants, 78.6% were aware of occupational ocular injuries and 17.7% used ocular safety devices. The major barrier to the use of eye protective devices was unavailability (43%). Workers who were ≥20 years old (p < 0.001), who received a monthly salary of less than USD 100 (p < 0.043), who had work experience of ≥10 years (p < 0.04), who were aware of ocular hazards (p < 0.03), and who did not use protective eye devices (p < 0.02) were significantly associated with occupational ocular injuries compared to others. The prevalence of occupational ocular injuries and the utilization of eye safety devices among the sawmill workers in the current study were comparable to findings from other studies. Based on the results of our study, we advise the provision of ocular protective devices for sawmill workers and policies to enforce regular utilization.

Scleral Compromise in Hereditary Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral scleral compromise in a male patient with hereditary porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 57-year-old male was referred to the Cornea Service at Hospital de Clinicas in Buenos Aires for bilateral scleral thinning. He claimed ocular discomfort and photophobia. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed an oval area of deep scleral thinning without uveal prolapse, adjacent to a conjunctival hyperemic zone in the interpalpebral area, 2 mm temporal to the limbus in the right eye. The left eye presented with a conjunctivalized scleral thinning in the interpalpebral area, 2 mm temporal to the limbus. Physical examination revealed facial hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis and multiple hypopigmented scars in hands and nails. His family history was positive for PCT. The diagnosis was made by urine porphyrin test and genetic molecular testing. In an attempt to reduce ocular and systemic levels of porphyrins, the patient was treated with oral hydroxychloroquine and repeated phlebotomies, altogether with specially designed glasses to avoid local exposure to sunlight. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral involvement is a rare manifestation of PCT. An adequate treatment, including interdisciplinary management may ameliorate ocular signs and symptoms.

Optical performance of welding curtains and existing standards.

Welding curtains and screens are intended to protect workers, other than the welder, from the effects of optical radiation generated by the welding process. The national and international standards for welding screens and curtains have different requirements. The aim is to compare the protection requirements of examples of welding curtain material and to assess compliance with the international and national standards. Spectral transmittance values (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared) of 21 samples were obtained from the records of an ISO/IES 17025 accredited test laboratory and performance/compliance was assessed according to each of the standards. In the ultraviolet, 10 samples passed and seven failed all standards. In the visible/infrared region, four samples passed and 10 failed all standards. Four samples passed the U.S. and international standards but failed the Australian/New Zealand standard in the blue-light transmittance requirement. One sample failed both the U.S. and Australian/New Zealand standards but the result for the international standard was borderline, one sample passed ISO but failed the blue-light requirements, and one failed ISO but passed the blue-light requirements. The derivations of the various requirements are not well documented. The Australia/New Zealand standard is significantly more stringent in the ultraviolet and blue-light regions. A review of the optical radiation hazards and revision of the standards are indicated. It is possible that curtains, other than those tested, that comply with the international standard might transmit hazardous levels of blue light and, conversely, adequate ultraviolet and blue-light protection is available with curtains that do not comply with the international standard.

Eye Injuries Epidemiology Description in a Working Population over 10 Years in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show a high percentage of eye injuries related to work compared to other origins. However, there are few studies that describe work-related eye injuries. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective, and longitudinal study that describes the characteristics of work-related eye injuries in a group of insured workers. Eye injuries were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and analyzed over 10 years (2008-2018). RESULTS: Keratitis and conjunctivitis were the most prevalent injuries (26,674 (53.1%) and 15,906 (31.6%)). Keratitis and conjunctivitis also show the highest percentage of injury incidence per 100,000 insured workers in both sexes, any age group, and any occupation. The analysis of the cumulative percentage change and average annual percent change in incidences over ten years shows a decrease in the incidences of all injuries, except for other disorders of the eye and anexa. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the work-related eye injuries affect the most exposed eye structures in any line of work: the cornea and conjunctiva. Suitable protection of these eye structures will decrease the number of cases of work-related eye injuries.

Does wearing swimming goggles affect corneal morphology in keratoconic eyes? / Uso de óculos de natação afeta a morfologia da córnea em olhos ceratocônicos?

ABSTRACT Purpose: A significant transient increase in intraocular pressure in individuals wearing swimming goggles has been demonstrated in previous studies. These findings suggested that wearing swimming goggles could represent a significant risk factor for worsening of corneal parameters in patients with keratoconus who swim regularly. The aim of this study was to investigate corneal parameters in patients with keratoconus after wearing swimming goggles. Methods: Comprehensive ocular examinations were performed on 74 eyes of 37 patients with keratoconus. Measurements of the corneal front keratometry values (Kflat, Ksteep, and Kmax), central corneal thickness, corneal apex thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber depth, and iridocorneal angle were performed in outpatient clinics using a Pentacam® Scheimpflug camera (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) before the patients wore swimming goggles and after they wore swimming goggles for 1, 10, and 20 min. A p-value of <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The average values before and after wearing swimming goggles for 1, 10, and 20 min were 52.72 ± 5.36, 52.64 ± 5.52, 52.62 ± 5.38, and 52.22 ± 4.86, respectively (p=0.257). The average values before and after wearing swimming goggles for 1, 10, and 20 min were 46.01 ± 3.17, 46.09 ± 3.17, 46.06 ± 3.26, and 46.04 ± 3.17, respectively (p=0.426). The average values before and after wearing swimming goggles for 1, 10, and 20 min were 49.02 ± 3.56, 49.06 ± 3.61, 49.08 ± 3.62, and 49.07 ± 3.61, respectively (p=0.750). No other corneal parameters showed changes after wearing swimming goggles (p>0.05). However, the anterior chamber volume markedly decreased after wearing swimming goggles (p<0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggested that the short-term use of swimming goggles does not increase the risk of corneal parameter worsening in patients with keratoconus.

RESUMO Objetivo: Um aumento transitório significativo da pressão intraocular em indivíduos usando óculos de natação foi demonstrado em estudos anteriores. Esses achados sugerem que o uso de óculos de natação pode representar um fator de risco significativo para o agravamento dos parâmetros corneanos em pacientes com ceratocone que nadam regularmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os parâmetros corneanos em pacientes com ceratocone após o uso de óculos de natação. Métodos: Foram realizados exames oftalmológicos completos em 74 olhos de 37 pacientes com ceratocone. As medidas dos valores de ceratometria frontal da córnea (Kflat, Ksteep e Kmax), espessura corneana central, espessura apical da córnea, espessura corneana mais fina, volume da córnea, volume da câmara anterior, profundidade da câmara anterior e ângulo iridocorneano foram realizados em ambulatórios usando câmera Pentacam® Scheimpflug (Oculus, Wetzlar, Alemanha) antes dos pacientes usarem óculos de natação por 1, 10 e 20 min. Um valor p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os valores médios de antes e após o uso de óculos de natação por 1, 10 e 20 min foram: 52,72 ± 5,36, 52,64 ± 5,52, 52,62 ± 5,38 e 52,22 ± 4,86, respectivamente (p=0,257). Os valores médios do (antes e após o uso de óculos de natação por 1, 10 e 20 min foram: 46,01 ± 3,17, 46,09 ± 3,17, 46,06 ± 3,26 e 46,04 ± 3,17, respectivamente (p=0,426). Os valores médios de antes e após o uso de óculos de natação por 1, 10 e 20 min foram: 49,02 ± 3,56, 49,06 ± 3,61, 49,08 ± 3,62 e 49,07 ± 3,61, respectivamente (p=0,750). Nenhum outro parâmetro da córnea apresentou alterações após o uso de óculos de natação (p>0,05). No entanto, o volume da câmara anterior diminuiu acentuadamente após o uso de óculos de natação (p<0,001). Conclusões: Esses achados sugerem que o uso de óculos de natação a curto prazo não aumenta o risco de piora dos parâmetros corneanos em pacientes com ceratocone.

Blood spatter in oral surgery: Prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Oral surgeons are exposed to blood spatter. The authors evaluated the prevalence of and risk factors for blood spatter in facial masks during oral surgery procedures. METHODS: The authors evaluated facial masks and caps of oral surgeons and assistants for blood spatter using the Kastle-Meyer test after different oral surgery procedures. The authors correlated the presence of blood spatter to the clinician, type of surgery, surgery time, and self-awareness of blood spatter, using χ2 and t tests. RESULTS: The authors analyzed a total of 202 samples and detected blood particles in 46% of the samples in both operators and assistants. The authors observed blood contamination in all types of procedures, and in 4% of the cases, the internal part of the visor was also affected. Clinicians were unaware of the presence of blood spatter in 40% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of clinician contamination with blood during tooth extraction and implant placement was 46%. The risk increased with the use of high-speed instruments and longer surgery time. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of facial protective devices should be mandatory during oral surgery procedures to avoid blood contamination, especially when rotary devices are used. In many cases, imperceptible blood spatter is present.

Conocimientos sobre factores de riesgo y prevención de enfermedades oculares en pacientes atendidos en la provincia de Cienfuegos / Knowledge about risk factors and prevention of eye diseases in patients treated in the Cienfuegos Province

Fundamento: el conocimiento de la población sobre factores de riesgo y cómo llevar a la práctica las medidas preventivas para evitar la aparición de enfermedades visuales es vital para conservar una buena salud ocular.Objetivo: determinar los conocimientos que poseen pacientes atendidos en la provincia de Cienfuegos sobre factores de riesgo y prevención de enfermedades oculares. Métodos: estudio descriptivo sobre 300 pacientes mayores de 18 años que asistieron a las consultas de oftalmología en Cienfuegos, desde enero hasta marzo del 2016, a los cuales se les aplicó una encuesta que incluyó variables como: edad, sexo, profesión, así como aspectos relacionados con el conocimiento que tenían sobre factores de riesgo y prevención de las enfermedades oculares. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino, la edad comprendida en mayores de 50 años y el grupo de profesionales. Los más atentos a la prevención ocular fueron las personas de mayor edad y las mujeres. Los encuestados presumen tener conocimientos sobre la prevención ocular, pero existe un desconocimiento elevado de las acciones que deben realizar para preservar al órgano visual con una buena salud, fundamentalmente los dos pilares de la prevención: la protección solar y la visita al especialista. Conclusiones: aún existe desconocimiento de los factores de riesgo y la importancia de la prevención ocular. A pesar de la relevancia de la función visual en la sociedad actual, los ojos no son objeto de tantas medidas preventivas.

Foundation: population’s knowledge about risk factors and how to implement preventive measures to avoid the appearance of eye diseases is vital to preserve a good ocular health. Objective: to determine the knowledge about risk factors and ocular disease prevention patients treated in the Cienfuegos Province. Methods: descriptive study about 300 patients older than 18 years who came to the ophthalmology consultation in Cienfuegos, from January to March 2016. They were applied a survey which included variables as: age, sex, profession so as aspects related to the knowledge they have about risk factors and prevention of ocular diseases. Results: the female sex predominated, age older than 50 years and the group of professionals. The most attentive to eye disease prevention were the elderly and women. The surveyed patients presume to have knowledge about eye disease prevention, but there is a high ignorance about the actions for visual organ preservation with good health, mainly the two bases of prevention: sun protection and specialist visit.Conclusions: there is still ignorance of risk factors and importance of eye disease prevention. In spite of the visual function relevance in the current society, eyes are not object of enough preventive measures.

A comparison study of conjunctiva disorders in technical and administrative sawmill workers in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Workers in the sawmilling industry are at risk of various ocular hazards as a direct result of the sawmilling processes. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of conjunctival disorders between technical and administrative sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria, between January and May 2009, with the aid of pre-tested questionnaires. Ocular examination was performed on all subjects. Data obtained were recorded and analysed using SPSS version 13. RESULTS: A total of 553 sawmill workers were studied, among whom 449 (81.2%) and 104 (18.8%) were technical and administrative workers, respectively. There were 496 (89.7%) males and 57 (10.3%) females. The age range was 15-80 years, with a mean of 38.9 years (SD 12.8). Pingueculum was found in 127 (23%) workers, among whom 122 (27.2%) were technical workers and 5 (4.8%) were administrative workers. Pterygium was present in 65 (11.8%) workers, among whom 64 (14.3%) were technical workers and 1 (1%) was an administrative worker. Seven (1.6%) technical workers used protective eyewear; 2 (0.4%) wore this protective eyewear regularly. CONCLUSION: Technical sawmill workers are at risk of developing conjunctival disorders, which result from chronic ocular irritation. This can be prevented by the provision of protective eye devices in the workplace.

A Comparison Study of Conjunctiva Disorders in Technical and Administrative Sawmill Workers in Nigeria

Background: Workers in the sawmilling industry are at risk of various ocular hazards as a direct result of the sawmilling processes. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of conjunctival disorders between technical and administrative sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria, between January and May 2009, with the aid of pre-tested questionnaires. Ocular examination was performed on all subjects. Data obtained were recorded and analysed using SPSS version 13. Results: A total of 553 sawmill workers were studied, among whom 449 (81.2%) and 104 (18.8%) were technical and administrative workers, respectively. There were 496 (89.7%) males and 57 (10.3%) females. The age range was 15–80 years, with a mean of 38.9 years (SD 12.8). Pingueculum was found in 127 (23%) workers, among whom 122 (27.2%) were technical workers and 5 (4.8%) were administrative workers. Pterygium was present in 65 (11.8%) workers, among whom 64 (14.3%) were technical workers and 1 (1%) was an administrative worker. Seven (1.6%) technical workers used protective eyewear; 2 (0.4%) wore this protective eyewear regularly. Conclusion: Technical sawmill workers are at risk of developing conjunctival disorders, which result from chronic ocular irritation. This can be prevented by the provision of protective eye devices in the workplace.