Ocular Hazards in Ophthalmic Dispensing Industry in South East Nigeria.

Abstract

The prevalence of ocular hazards in ophthalmic dispensing industry in south east Nigeria was carried out using 70 subjects drawn from different towns in the region. Tables were used to analyze the data obtained from his study. Results showed that ocular hazards are involved in ophthalmic dispensing depending on the duration of exposure. Results further showed that most frequent hazard occurred in the following order: itching (29%), foreign body (21.43%), eye burn (17.14%), cornea scar (15.73%), redness (14.28%), pterugium (14.28%), pinguecular (7.14%), and others (2.86%). The ocular hazards can be prevented through the use to protective devices. We suggest that a proper training and enlightment programme will help to reduce the occurrence of these hazards and enhance the health status of the dispensers.

Key Words: Ocular hazards, Ophthalmic dispensing, South east Nigeria