Citation

Connell PP, Saddak T, Harrison I, Kelly S, Bobart A, McGettrick P, Collum LT. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2007; 176(1): 11-14.

Affiliation

Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. drpaulconnell@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, General Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17849517

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Construction-related ocular injuries are an important cause of vision loss but few studies on the incidence, epidemiology and nature of these injuries exist. AIMS: Due to the perceived increase in occupation-related eye injuries in non-nationals we aimed to investigate the nature of such injuries presenting to a single eye unit over a two-month period. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five patients presenting to the accident and emergency department with construction related ocular injury were examined. RESULTS: Of 155 patients, 80 were Irish and 75 nonnational, of whom 60, 21.3 and 6.7% were Polish, Lithuanian and Romanian, respectively. Common causative factors included hammering, grinding, drilling and splash injury. Average rate of eyewear protection usage was 35%, with attendance at safety courses highest in Irish nationals. A penetrating eye injury rate of 4.9% overall was observed, all in non-nationals. CONCLUSION: Construction related ocular injury is a serious cause of visual loss in non-nationals. Greater adherence to safety regulations and training is required.

Language: en