The incidence and prevention of ocular injuries in orthodontic practice

A postal survey was conducted to determine the use of eye protection and incidence of ocular trauma in orthodontic practice. One-hundred-and-fifty-nine NHS orthodontic consultants and 203 specialist orthodontic practitioners were surveyed. Two-hundred-and-forty-one (66.5 per cent) replies were received. Some form of eye protection was routinely worn by 66.8 per cent of orthodontists, 64.3 per cent of patients, but only 33.6 per cent of DSAs. Eye protection was not offered to DSAs in 31.9 per cent of practices or to patients in 22.1 per cent. Forty-three per cent of orthodontists reported instances of ocular injury in their practices. The majority of these injuries (n = 104) occurred during debonding or trimming acrylic. Other incidents involved ligating materials, intra-oral polishing, and acid etching. Most injuries (83.5 per cent) were treated in the surgery without any long-term effects. The routine use of goggles or spectacles with side-pieces and plastic lenses, which conform to British Standard BS 2092, is recommended for staff and patients during all operative procedures in orthodontic practice.