Work-Related Eye Injuries in Inpatients in Mettapracharak Hospital

Abstract

The objective of this retrospective descriptive study was to describe the epidemiology of inpatient work-related eye injuries comparing with  non work-related eye injuries in Mettapracharak Hospital. Retrospective data collection from June 2006 to May 2007 was carried out.  In all, 94 patients met the inclusion criteria.  In work-related eye injury group, there were 51 patients, of which 46 (90.2%) were males and  8 (15.17%) were non-Thai. The most common age group was 11 to 20 years old (23.5%).  All occupational eye injuries were accident-related particularly grinding stone and hammering (27.5%). The visual outcome was deteriorated in 11.4 percent. The most common length of hospital stay was 4 to 7 days (42%). The mean cost of treatment was 17,018, (SD 13,633) baht.  The most common source of payment was national health security scheme (52.9%).  In non work-related eye injury group, there were 43 patients. Thirty-six patients (83.7%) were males and 2 (4.7%) were non-Thai.  The most common age group was less than 10 years old (37.2%).  Twenty-eight patients (65.1%) were injured in accidents and assaults were reported in 15 patients (34.9%).  The most common length of stay was 1 to 3 days (55.8%).  The mean cost of treatment was 14,880, SD (17,186) baht.  The most common source of payment was national health security scheme (72.1%).  In conclusion, work-related eye injuries was a major cause of visual morbidity and socio-economic problem consequences. Education and prevention can reduce the incidence of these occupational injuries.