Eye Safety Practices Among The Dental Personnel Of University Of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of use of protective eye wear and hazards related to non compliance with recommended eye safety practice among the dental personnel of University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the dental personnel of University of Benin Teaching Hospital to determine how regularly they use protective eye wear while working in the clinic and laboratory. The prevalence of foreign body to the eye, ocular injuries and conjunctivitis among the dental personnel was also determined.                        Results: 152 questionnaires out of 155 were returned filled giving a response rate of 98%. Twenty nine (19.1%) of the dental personnel are regular wearers of protective eye wear. There was no significant difference in the use of protective eye wear among the dental personnel (p>0.05). Forty one (27%) had experienced foreign body to the eye out of which eight (19.5%) and thirty three (80.5%) are regular and irregular wearer
respectively. Twenty six (17.1%) had experienced ocular injury at least once in a month in the clinic out of which three (11.5%) and twenty three (88.5%) are regular wearer and irregular wearer respectively. Thirteen (8.6%) had experienced conjunctivitis at least once a month out of which one (7.7%) and twelve (92.3%) are regular wearer and irregular wearer of protective eye wear respectively.
Conclusion: The frequency of use of protective eye wear among the dental personnel was low. As such, there is a need to promote awareness on the importance of protecting the eyes while working in the dental clinics and laboratories to prevent ocular injury and infection.

Keywords: Eye safety practices, ocular injuries, dental personnel, occupational hazards