Photokeratitis among restaurant workers: A case series

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Accidental exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause photokeratitis and skin burns.
• UV-C spectrum bulbs were mistakenly installed in insect light traps at a restaurant.
• This led to ocular and dermal symptoms in multiple employees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of occupationally acquired UV radiation-induced photokeratitis and skin burns.
• To discuss the diagnostic and workplace evaluation challenges in such incidents.
• To emphasize the need for prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing an incident involving restaurant workers.
• Clinical evaluation of employees reporting ocular and dermal symptoms.
• Identification of the UV-C light source as the cause of exposure.

Main Results:

• 18 out of 85 restaurant employees reported symptoms of varying severity over two days.
• Symptoms included ocular irritation and skin burns, with more severe cases near the UV-C source.
• One patient was diagnosed with corneal irritation/burn, mimicking chemical exposure.

Conclusions:

• UV-C exposure from improperly installed lighting caused occupational photokeratitis and burns.
• Multidisciplinary approach is crucial for rapid source identification and morbidity reduction.
• Improved hardware compatibility and warning labels are recommended prevention strategies.