Work-Related Eye Injuries: Important Occupational Health Problem in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: This study was aimed to determine demographics, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with work-related eye injury in Northern Thailand.

Design: A prospective case series.

Methods: Eye injuries from any cause treated at a university-based hospital in Northern Thailand from March 2007 to June 2008 were included. In addition to comprehensive eye examination and standard treatments, patients' occupation, type of activity at the time of injury, alcohol consumption, and eye protection were studied. Eye injuries were classified based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System. Demographic and clinical data were documented using a form adapted from the United States Eye Injury Registry.

Results: Of the 101 eyes (97 patients) with work-related injury, 94% were men with a mean age of 39.5 ± 12.9 years (range, 19-72 years). Ninety-eight percent (95/97 patients) did not use protective eyewear. Open-globe injuries were found in 58/101 (57%) eyes. Agricultural workers experienced a higher number of open-globe injuries (37/58 eyes, 64%), whereas construction workers experienced a higher number of closed-globe injuries (25/43 eyes, 58%). In multivariable logistic regression models, nailing (odds ratio, 97.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-363.4; P = 0.01) and motorized grass trimming (odds ratio, 14.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-206.2; P = 0.05) were significantly associated with open-globe injuries when compared with closed-globe injuries. Significantly greater numbers of eyes with open-globe injuries had final vision equivalent to legal blindness (visual acuity, <3/60) compared with closed-globe injuries (42% vs 12%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions: Work-related open-globe injuries are relatively more common among agricultural workers in Northern Thailand. Protective eyewear should be aggressively promoted among workers engaged in nailing and motorized grass trimming.