Impact of Mining on the Ocular Surface Health Among Residents of Mining Communities

Despite known associations between air pollution and ocular health, the specific impact of mining dust on ocular surface health remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by determining the ocular surface characteristics, the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED), tear film inflammatory markers, and their clinical correlation among people residing in mining communities.

This was a prospective one-year study at a primary eye care centre that included 376 participants. The participants were categorized into three sub-groups based on the duration of exposure to mining activities, namely high exposure (A: >8 h), moderate exposure (B: 2-8 h;), and minimal exposure (C: <2 h). The participants underwent thorough clinical examinations, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scoring, Schirmer's test (without anaesthesia), ocular surface analyser and surface staining. The tear samples were analysed for selected inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1Ra, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 using multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bivariate and multivariate regression models with odds ratios were used for the statistical analyses.

The prevalence of dry eyes was 15.4%. The OSDI and Schirmer's test scores were poor in group C and A as compared to group B. The risk of DED (p<0.05) increased with advancing age and elevated blood pressure and correlates with surface staining. No significant association could be established between the inflammatory markers and dry eyes using cytokine titres.

DED is prevalent in mining communities. Safety gear, periodic eye examinations, and appropriate treatment are recommended.