Resource Page

OCULAR HEALTH STATUS OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN NNEWI,ANAMBRA STATE

Email:
Supervisor: Dr. L O Onyekwe and Professor S N N Nwosu
Faculty: OPHTHALMOLOGY
Month: 11
Year: 2010

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional survey of industrial workers in Nnewi, Anambra state. One thousand one hundred and seventy six workers were selected through purposive sampling from three industries that gave approval for the study. Pre-tested self administered questionnaire were administered to each subject. Ocular examination which consisted of visual acuity, pen-torch examination, direct ophthalmoscopy, refraction and intra ocular pressure assessment was conducted on each worker. Information obtained from each respondent was entered into data sheet, collated and analyzed. The prevalence of ocular diseases was 44.3% and prevalence of visual impairment was 7.6%. None of the workers was blind in both eyes. The major ocular disorders seen were refractive error (41.1%), presbyopia (28.3%), allergic conjunctivitis (22.4%) and pterygium (1.9%).The main causes of visual impairment were refractive error (78.6%), cataract and uncorrected aphakia (10.1%), glaucoma (2.3%) and corneal opacity (2.3%). The prevalence of ocular disease significantly increased with age (P<0.00). The prevalence of work-related ocular injuries was 8.6%.There was no gender difference in the attitude of workers towards the use of protective eye wear (P=0.75). There was also no gender difference in the number of work-related eye injuries (P=0.14). The commonest agents associated with eye injuries were asbestos particles (36.6%), weak battery acid (25.7%), lead particles (20.7%) and metal chips (8.0%). One major factor that led to eye injuries was poor attitude to use of protective eye wear. In conclusion, prevalence of ocular disease was high among industrial workers in Nnewi though most of these diseases are avoidable. A good number of workers had a past history of work-related eye injuries which are also preventable. It was recommended that efforts should be made by both the management and workers of the various industries to ensure the use of protective eyewear during work.

© 2024 NPMCN, All Rights Reserved
Powered by: