Perforating ocular wounds in occupational accidents

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Occupational Health
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Perforating ocular wounds from occupational accidents represent a significant cause of visual impairment.
• Understanding the epidemiology and characteristics of these injuries is essential for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes, locations, and contributing factors of perforating ocular wounds resulting from occupational accidents.
• To identify high-risk groups and circumstances associated with these eye injuries to inform prevention efforts.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 77 patients treated for perforating ocular wounds due to occupational accidents over a 5-year period.
• Data collected included accident type, patient demographics, injury location, presence of intraocular foreign bodies, and seasonal variations.

Main Results:

• Industrial accidents were the leading cause (61.04%), predominantly affecting males (97.40%) with a mean age of 32.88 years.
• The cornea was the most frequent injury site, with nasal and upper quadrants more commonly affected. Intraocular foreign bodies were present in 52% of cases, often linked to industrial accidents.
• Injuries were significantly more frequent during summer months.

Conclusions:

• Occupational accidents, especially industrial ones, pose a substantial risk for perforating ocular wounds, particularly in young males.
• Corneal injuries, nasal/upper quadrant involvement, and intraocular foreign bodies are common features. Seasonal patterns suggest increased risk during summer.
• Implementing targeted prevention programs is vital to reduce the incidence and severity of these work-related eye injuries.