Chief & Presenting Author: Dr.Shubhratha S. Hegde

Co Author(s): Dr.Sandhya Dharwadkar

Abstract

Purpose: Eye injuries form an important part of occupational injuries as it poses significant socioeconomic impact.Study design and method:This one year prospective observational study was done to analyze the clinical and demographic characteristics of occupational eye injury in a tertiary care eye hospital in South India. Relevant demographic and occupational data was collected. Complete ophthalmic examination was done. Result: out of 316 patients included majority were young indivduals. Male preponderance was noted. Most of them were involved in arc welding work.The injuries were more common in unorganized sectors like small fabrication enterprises. Corneal foreign body was the most common type of eye injury noted. History of previous eye injury was noted in 65.8%. only 5% wore protective eye gear.Conclusion: There is a need for more effective preventive measures, especially in metal work and agriculture where increased frequency and worst prognoses of injuries were observed.