Metal Workers with Corneal Injuries and Abuse of Topical Drugs

Aim: We evaluated metal workers injured with corneal foreign bodies (FB) in terms of health insurance, use of protective eyeglasses, and unprescribed drug use.Materials and Methods: Seventy metal workers who were injured with corneal FB were enrolled in the study. We recorded the gender, age, duration of work, use of protective eyeglasses, and health insurance status data of metal workers. In cases of FB existence, the number of FBs and unprescribed drug use were investigated. We examined the presence of corneal scars that could lead to visual impairment.Results: The mean duration of work was 11.8±10.8 years. Although 29 workers (41.5%) had corneal scars, only three workers (4.3%) had visual impairment due to scars. Also, 29 workers (41.5%) did not report the use of protective glasses; however, 22 (31.4%) workers reported their occasional use and 19 (27.1%) workers reported their routine use. Eighteen workers (25.7%) remarked on topical drug use from time to time. Ten of the 18 patients (55.6%) were using topical Tetrahydrozoline HCL, whereas five (27.8%) were using the topical anesthetic drug 0.5% Proparacaine HCl.Conclusion: Occupational protective measures are important for metal workers who are at a high risk of eye injuries. Workers must be educated on the prevention and treatment of occupational ophtalmological hazards and be warned about the side effects of taking unprescribed drugs.