@article{ref1,
title="Ocular injury due to arecanut: a unique occupational hazard in central Karnataka",
journal="Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine",
year="2021",
author="Gondchawar, Ankush and Ravishankar, H. N. and Sagar, Pradeep and Tekade, Pradeep and Biswal, Suchitra K. and Mahesha, S.",
volume="25",
number="2",
pages="111-113",
abstract="PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular manifestations and visual outcomes of ocular injury by arecanut [an astringent palm seed often chewed with betel] <br><br>METHODS: We analysed cases with ocular injury by arecanut from August 2018 to December 2019, retrospectively. Mode of injury, visual acuity and ocular manifestations of trauma were recorded. <br><br>RESULTS: Out of the 40 cases, closed globe injuries were seen in 97.5% of cases. All the injuries were due to the direct impact of arecanut during harvesting. The mean age was 45.15 ± 12.84 years. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 20/40. A significant number of cases (35%) required surgical intervention. Mean BCVA at final follow-up was 20/30 but 16.66% of cases had BCVA of <20/60 even after definitive therapy. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Ocular trauma due to arecanut is an important and preventable cause of visual impairment in central Karnataka. Modifications in harvesting technique would prevent ocular injuries.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0973-2284",
doi="10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_174_20",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_174_20"
}