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The hazards of hammers
P Owen1, S J Keightley, A R Elkington
1Department of Surgery, University of Southhampton.
Injury
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Hammer-related eye injuries are common, with many occurring at work or home without protective eyewear. A significant number of patients experienced severe vision loss, highlighting the need for safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Occupational Health
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) pose a significant risk to vision.
- Hammer use is a common cause of ocular trauma, particularly in occupational and domestic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, circumstances, and visual outcomes of patients with hammer-related intraocular foreign bodies.
- To emphasize the importance of protective eyewear during activities involving hammers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 55 patients diagnosed with hammer-related IOFBs over a 4-year period.
- Data collection included injury context (work vs. home), use of protective equipment, and final visual acuity.
Main Results:
- Fifty-five patients sustained hammer-related IOFBs; 36 at work, 19 at home.
- No patients reported wearing appropriate eye protection.
- Seven patients were bystanders injured by hammer-wielding individuals.
- Twenty-three patients had a final visual acuity of 6/24 or worse in the affected eye.
Conclusions:
- Hammer-related IOFBs are a preventable cause of significant visual impairment.
- The lack of protective eyewear is a critical factor in these injuries.
- Ophthalmologists and public health initiatives should promote eye safety during hammering activities.