Preventing eye injuries
نویسنده
چکیده
The main challenge in developing a strategy to prevent eye injuries is that there are so many different causes and situations that can lead to eye injuries, each requiring a different approach. In general, the first step in prevention is to inform people about the risks so that they can either avoid them or take action to protect their eyes. People can be informed by means of appropriate safety messages (e.g. on posters) in the areas where eyes are at risk, or through a range of media campaigns. In some environments, such as in industrial settings, messages can be supported by education/training sessions. Prevention messages and education certainly increase people’s knowledge about avoiding and protecting themselves against risks, but there is insufficient evidence that these, by themselves, will result in changed behaviour in the long term. A recent Cochrane review2 indicates that the overall impact of education is short-lived and that it often needs to be reinforced or supported in practical ways. For example, in high-risk environments (e.g. agricultural and industrial settings) where people are advised to wear protective eyewear (safety glasses), it might be necessary to also provide the correct eyewear. This will improve compliance. When considering the use of protective eyewear, it is important to pay attention to the practicalities: is the eyewear comfortable to use, and is it suited to the task at hand? Eye protection has to be suitable in its visual properties (i.e. can people see well enough?), size and weight and must have the appropriate strength of material for the protection required. The influence of legislation on risk reduction has been well documented. In the UK, studies have demonstrated a reduction of up to 73% in motor vehicle-related eye injuries after the introduction of compulsory seat belt use.1 Injuries in the home lack a specific pattern of aetiology and are therefore the most challenging to prevent. Creating general awareness about the safe use of domestic chemicals, kitchen equipment or gardening tools is therefore essential. Safety standards for toys, tools and home equipment might also be needed in some countries. Despite the challenges, prevention is essential. Table 1 gives suggestions for the prevention of the most common eye injuries, both at an individual and at a community/public health level. Overleaf there is a case study on prevention in the agricultural environment and one looking at evidence on eye injury prevention in a work setting. In our online edition, there is also a case study looking at the prevention of road traffic accidents in Kenya by ensuring that commercial drivers have good visual health and good visual acuity (www.cehjournal.org/ article/vision-testing-to-preventroad-traffic-accidents-in-kenya/). This will in turn help to prevent eye injuries. A next step would be the introduction of seat belt wearing – backed up by legislation – to prevent an accident from causing blinding injuries.
منابع مشابه
Mandatory use of eye protection prevents eye injuries in the metal industry.
BACKGROUND Eyes are frequently injured in occupational accidents. What is the preventive effect of mandatory eye protection in metalworking? METHODS The injury incidence was determined before and after eye protection became mandatory in a metalworking yard. RESULTS The incidence declined from 6.09 to 0.42 injuries per million working hours after eye protection became mandatory. CONCLUSION...
متن کاملPreventing blindness from eye injuries through health education.
Eye injuries occur without any warning. One moment a person can have perfectly normal eyes, and the next moment he or she may be blind or at least in severe pain. Therefore we should be eternally vigilant and aware of situations that could lead to injury. Eye injuries may be trivial or serious. All precautions should be taken to avoid injury. Repair of a grave injury is almost impossible, and p...
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Introduction: Eye injuries are still considered a principal cause of blindness and morbidity in developing countries, while most of them are preventable. Regarding the high prevalence of traumas in Hormozgan province, this study focuses on comparison of patients with eye traumas admitted to Shahid Mohammadi hospital of Bandar Abbas in 1998-1999 and 2004-2005. Methods: This descriptive study w...
متن کاملمطالعه یک ساله ترومای چشم در مراجعین سال 1375 بیمارستان فارابی
The author conducted 1-year study investigating the causation and management of eye trauma at Farabi Eye' center. All patients sustaining eye injuries who were evaluated by ophthalmology service over one year interval were included.. A formal questionnaire was completed with details of the injuiy being obtained. An ophthalmologic examination was performed on each patient, and examination findin...
متن کاملEducational interventions for the prevention of eye injuries.
BACKGROUND Ocular injury is a preventable cause of blindness, yet it remains a significant disabling health problem that affects all age groups. Injuries may occur in the home, in the workplace, during recreational activities or as a result of road crashes. Types of injuries vary from closed globe (contusion or lamellar laceration) to an open globe injury, which includes penetration and even pe...
متن کاملEvaluation the knowledge and practice of dentists to the use of protective glass to prevent eye injuries in dentists, personals, and patients in Zanjan city, 1399
Background and Aim: Various factors cause damage to the eyes of dentists, staff and patients during dental procedures. Due to the presence of microbial agents in saliva, it is necessary to pay attention to eye protection. However, according to studies, only 62-52% of dentists use personal protective equipment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of dentists regar...
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