Epidemiological profile of occupational ocular injury in a tertiary eye care centre of North India

Abstract

Background: Occupational ocular injuries are quite common among industrial and agricultural workers. It is an important cause of preventable vision loss in developing as well as developed countries. The principal objective of our research work was to study epidemiological profile of occupational ocular injuries and use of protective eye wear at workplace in North India.Methods: A prospective, hospital based observational study was conducted on 400 patients of occupational ocular injuries attending emergency services and OPD in Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana, India during June 2016 to March 2020.Results: Out of 400 patients of occupational ocular injuries, majority were male (92%) and most common age group affected was 31-40 years (48%) followed by 21-30 years (30%). Most common injured patients were of manufacturing industry (45%) followed by construction site (30%) and agriculture based industry (25%). Metallic foreign body (70%) was found to be the most common cause of occupational ocular injury in 70% cases followed by chemical injury in 10% cases. Ocular injuries were more common in temporary workers (65%) who were not having proper safety training and not using protective devices at workplace.Conclusions: Occupational ocular injuries most commonly affect young productive population leading to temporary or permanent vision loss. Avoidance of protective glasses and lack of basic safety training make them more vulnerable for ocular injuries. Therefore, all workers should be encouraged to adopt basic safety measures and proper safety training should be given to them. It will not only help in reducing the ocular morbidity, but will also enhance the economic productivity.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with ocular protection practices among welders in sub-Saharan Africa

“…Overall, the study found the pooled prevalence of reported ocular protection practice among welders in sub-Saharan Africa to be 53.71% (95% CI: 42.54, 64.88). This is similar to the results obtained in a study conducted in North India by Dahiya who found the prevalence of eye injury among welders to be 52.97% ( 38 ). However, the prevalence of this study finding was lower compared to 75.0% by Prabhu in South India ( 39 ), and 61.9% by Wang in Taiwan ( 40 ).…”

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“…Overall, the study found the pooled prevalence of reported ocular protection practice among welders in sub-Saharan Africa to be 53.71% (95% CI: 42.54, 64.88). This is similar to the results obtained in a study conducted in North India by Dahiya who found the prevalence of eye injury among welders to be 52.97% (38). However, the prevalence of this study finding was lower compared to 75.0% by Prabhu in South India (39), and 61.9% by Wang in Taiwan (40).…”

A Cross-Sectional Study on Work Related Ocular Injuries From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Central India.

“…Repeated eye injuries elevate the likelihood of enduring visual impairment elevate the likelihood of enduring vision impairment [4,5]. Workrelated eye injuries are more common and severe in developing nations such as India due to the lack of emphasis on occupational health and workplace safety [6]. Literature has revealed that work-related eye injuries make up 22% of all ocular trauma cases in their study on ocular trauma [7].…”