Title: Study of the Sociodemographic profile of the patients presenting with ocular surface foreign bodies in rural settings

Authors: Swati Sharma, Abhishek Padha

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i11.149

Abstract

Background: An ocular surface foreign body or superficial foreign body is the most common and preventable form of eye trauma, causing a significant discomfort and if not properly managed may lead further to permanent visual impairment.

Purpose: To study the socio-demographic determinants in patients with ocular surface foreign bodies, common type of foreign bodies, their common locations of impaction in the eye and the suggested preventable measures in the patients prone to exposure.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology department of Pt. JLNGMC Chamba, H.P, India, from January 2018 to August 2018. Age and gender were recorded for all patients. Detailed slit lamp examination was performed. Location of the foreign body was noted. Foreign bodies were removed with the help of forceps or 26 gauge needle depending upon their level of impaction. All the necessary data of the patient were collected and entered into MS Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) to review in the form of percentages and proportions.

Results: A total of 300 patients presenting with ocular surface foreign bodies were included in the study. Males were seen to be at 2.3 times more risk of exposure to foreign bodies than females. A large proportion of patients (n=205) were either illiterates (n=57, 19%) or were qualified upto primary school (n=148,49.33%) only. People residing in rural areas (72%) were about 2.6 times more prone to get exposed to foreign bodies than the semi-urban population. In our study, the most common location of foreign body in the eye was Cornea (47.67%), followed by Subtarsal area (23.67%) and palpebral conjunctiva (13.33%). The most common type of foreign body encountered in our study group was of Wooden matter/Vegetative nature (n=129,43%), followed by dust particles(24.3%) and metallic foreign bodies(19%).

Conclusion: People should be made aware about the use of appropriate eye protective devices at their respective work places.

Keywords: Ocular surface foreign bodies, Ocular injuries, Protective eye wear devices.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Abhishek Padha

Address: Near National Highway, Diani, Samba -184121, J&K India

Mob: 9796718740, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.