METALLIC CORNEAL FOREIGN BODY;

A PREVENTABLE WORK RELATED CAUSE OF OCULAR MORBIDITY.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate demographic characteristics, morbidity and attitude of the patients in cases presenting with metallic corneal foreign bodies. Study Design: Descriptive, observational study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Pak Red Crescent Medical and Dental College Dina Nath District Kasur. Period: April 2017 to January 2018. Methods: 100 consecutive patients with metallic corneal foreign bodies and had not received any treatment were enrolled. Data regarding patient’s age, gender, education, occupation and number of working years was collected. Patient was further inquired about the mechanism of injury, past history, availability and use of protective eye wear, availability of physician at work place, use of unprescribed drugs, self-removal attempt and self-removal method, pain intensity and leaves taken from job. Time interval between injury and presentation in the hospital was also noted. Location, depth of foreign body and ocular complications after removal were also examined. Results: All the patients were male and age ranged between 14-43 years. Patients were working in different industries from 6 months to 20 years. 43% got foreign body during metal grinding, 32% injuries occur during metal cutting, 20% during welding and 5% did not remember how they got foreign body. Only 7% used the protective eyewear during work, although protective eyewear was available to 59%. Physician was available to only 12% of patients at work place. 46% tried self-removal of the FB and 28% used unprescribed drugs before visiting to hospital. Pain intensity of the patient was measured on VAS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worse pain ever experienced) mean 5.5. Patients were absent from work up to 4 days (mean1.1). Rust ring was the most common complication developed in 38% patients. Conclusion: Corneal foreign bodies are preventable work related eye injuries common among young industrial workers. There should be educational and safety programs about eye protection at work place.