Vallinayagam Muthukrishnan 1 , D. Baba 2 , Mani Maheshvaran 3 , P. Mohanasakthi
BACKGROUND The study aims to determine the prevalence of ocular manifestations in quarry workers in Puducherry. Quarry workers are at high risk of developing pterygium, dry eye, ocular injuries, scleral pigmentation, nonspecific inflammation, irritation and watering. Quarry work accounts for the highest rate of injury amongst industrial work and the safety awareness is poor amongst the workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 254 quarry workers was conducted between March 2015 and September 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, ocular symptoms, ocular injury and use of protective wear during work. Slit lamp examination was done to detect ocular surface disorders like pterygium. Schirmer’s test was done for the detection of dry eye. Pterygium and dry eye were graded based on the severity. RESULTS Among quarry work, the ocular manifestations included pterygium (57.48%), dry eye (46.6%), inflamed eyes (18.5%) and scleral pigmentation (57.48%). The workers were subdivided based on the severity of pterygium (Grade I - 49.80%, Grade II - 6.49%, Grade III - 1.37%) and based on the severity of dry eye (mild - 18.11%, moderate - 13.85%, severe - 9.05% and very severe - 5.09%). The awareness about hazards and safety precautions to be followed are poor among quarry workers. Most of them fail to use protective measures during work. CONCLUSION The study shows a definite predilection for pterygium, dry eye and ocular injuries in quarry workers. Awareness of such morbidity and use of safety measures would improve ocular health.
