Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Incidence of Repeated Superficial Metallic Corneal Foreign Bodies, Awareness and Use of Eye Protection Devices in Sub-urban Bangalore (South-India)

Rajan Sharma, Rani Sujatha MA, Prashant CN, Nagaraja KS and Yash Oza

Purpose: To determine the incidence of repeated episodes of superficial metallic corneal foreign body (CFB) among small-scale metal industry workers in Bangalore (South-India). We also aim to discuss level of awareness and reasons of less/ non-usage of eye-protection devices (EPD) and to emphasize on the easily available EPD designs.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective study which included one hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients who were treated for superficial CFB from 1^st October 2017 to 31^st March 2018 in the emergency/OPD. The incidence of repeated episodes, the level of awareness and usage of EPD were evaluated.

Results: All patients in the prospective study were male. The mean age of our study population was 35 ± 10.2 (range 18-58) years. These patients underwent CFB removal and topical antibiotic drops were prescribed. 46 (37.7%) patients had history of one or more previous episodes of similar injury with superficial CFB in the same or other eye. 76 (62.3%) patients presented with CFB for the first time. Of these 46 patients, 30 (65.2%) presented with second episode and 16 (34.8%) presented with third episode. Despite good level of awareness (86.9%) about eyeprotection, most workers were negligent and did not use EPD while at work. Ten (21.7%) patients had been using EPD regularly, 12 (26.0%) occasionally and 24 (52.2%) gave history of no use of EPD. Eighteen patients (39.1%) had a history of attempted removal of foreign bodies by self/co-worker/local general practitioner. Our study demonstrates the careless attitude of the senior/supervising staff as with 3 (6.5%) patients were from the supervising group. Also, 38 (82.6%) patients admitted the fact that there was no strict supervision at their work-place.

Conclusion: The study reveals that workplace hazards need to be taken seriously and workers need to adopt preventive measures according to comprehensive safety guidelines. Awareness programs should be undertaken to educate workers regarding safety measures. Adoption of safety measures by the workers may significantly decrease the incidence of corneal injuries and ocular morbidity.