Epidemiological and occupational profile of ocular trauma in adult population attending a tertiary care centre: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: World-wide ocular trauma in work places is one of the major cause of blindness. It has a significant socio-economic impact as it affects mostly the younger individuals of society who are only incumbent in most of the families. Objectives: To provide epidemiological data and occupational profile on ocular injuries in adult population that may help in future planning and implementation of preventive and safety strategies. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019. By a non-probability based sampling technique 151 patients were selected who complied with the inclusion criteria. After taking a detailed history, patients were subjected to proper clinical examination and required investigations were done. Result: The mean age of the study population was 34.28±2.49 years. 57.62% of the population suffered an injury in work place. 63.63% people were aware of using protective measure in work place but only 11% knew that employer was bound to provide the same, for which despite of the knowledge only 17.27% were actually using it. People with higher education were significantly more knowledgeable (p< 0.00001) and more keener (p=0.01) to use the protective devices. Conclusion: Employees are to be made well aware about their rights, risks in job and usage of protective devices by health education and awareness campaign.

Keywords

• ocular trauma
• occupational injury
• personal protective equipments (ppe)