European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Eye injuries account for a substantial proportion of all work- related injuries. The present study was conducted to assess characteristics of patients with occupational corneal foreign bodies.
Materials & Methods: 84 patients with suspected occupational corneal foreign bodies in eyes of both genders were enrolled. Parameters such as education, type of activity at the time of injury, and whether they were wearing protective glasses at the time of injury etc. was recorded. Information regarding Reasons for not wearing eye protection, material used for self-removal was also recorded. Superficial or deep corneal foreign body was recorded.
Results: Out of 84 patients, males were 50 and females were 34. Age group 18-27 years had 10, 28-37 years had 26, 38-47 years had 18 and >47 years had 30 patients. Education level was grade 1-5 in 24, grade 6-10 in 26, graduation in 7 and illiterate in 27 patients. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Activity at time ofinjury was welding in 15%, metal grinding in 55%, cement work in 4%, wood cutting in 6% and other in 20%. Business sector was construction industry in 25%, metal work industry in 45%, electrician in 7%, carpenter in 5% and other in 18%. Presenting vision was 6/6-6/9p in 82%, 6/12-6/18p in 14% and <6/24 in 4%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Reasons for not wearing eye protection was forgot to wear in 26%, removed protector for some time in 42%, protector uncomfortable in 20% and others in 12%. Material used for self-removal was tap water in 36%, paper in 30% and cloth in 34%. Corneal foreign body was superficial in 42% and deep in 58%. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: Labourers working in metal industry found to be high prevalence of foreign bodies in eyes. Low education was one of the contributing factors