A study on industrial eye injuries

Background: Eye injuries have been known since ancient times. Although nature has provided a protective bony wall and lids to cover the eye to protect it from injury, it is still exposed to all types of trauma. Trauma is the leading cause of patient presentation to the eye clinic, accounting for 52% of the patient load. Occupational eye injuries are more common in younger men and comprise 70% of all the ocular injuries. Aim of the Study: To determine the various aetiological factors which are responsible for ocular injuries in various industrial environments and to assess the types of injuries and their outcomes in various types of occupations. Material and Methods: This study included 65 cases with a history of trauma, which was sustained while working, who presented directly or were referred to the Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, during the study period from May 2003 to December 2004. In all the cases, a thorough history was obtained, with particular emphasis on the type of industry, the nature of work, the hours of work daily, the exact nature of the event which led to the injury and the object which caused the injury. The patient's symptoms following the injury were enquired about in detail. A relevant past ocular and general medical history was obtained for risk assessment in the present ocular injury. The history of prior treatment for the injury was recorded. All the patients were subjected to a complete ophthalmic examination. Their visual outcomes were considered. Results: The males were commonly injured. The commonest age group which was affected was the 21-30 years age group. Mechanical injuries were the most common type of injury. Conclusion: An attempt was made to find out the various aetiological factors for ocular injuries and their visual outcomes.