Work-related open globe injuries: demographic characteristics and prognostic factors in southern Tunisia

Introduction: Work-related open-globe injuries are a major cause of preventable vision loss worldwide with a significant socioeconomic impact.

Aim: To describe the demographics and clinical characteristics, identify the prognostic factors of work-related open-globe injuries and suggest preventive measures to minimize the incidence of these accidents.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients hospitalized in the Ophthalmology Department of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, for occupational open-globe injuries, between January 2020 and December 2022. A medical history and a complete ophthalmological examination were performed on all patients. Initial visual acuity (IVA) was systematically measured. We also studied the factors associated with poor final visual acuity (FVA). Poor visual prognosis was defined as an FVA of less than 1/10 six months after the trauma. Statistical analysis was performed using the system of Statistical Products and Services Solution (SPSS 26.0). A p-value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with work-related open-globe injuries were analyzed. The mean age was 39 ± 11.75 years, with male predominance. Almost half of them, 48.5% were welders. Mechanism of injury was penetrating trauma in 72.7% of cases. The mean presenting IVA was 1/25. Corneal wounds were present in 20 cases. Traumatic cataract was the most common associated lesion and was found in 36.4% of the patients. Intraocular foreign body was noted in 24.2%. The mean FVA was 1.6/10. Initial VA (p=0.04) and VH (p=0.004) was the significant predictive factors for final visual outcome in work-related open-globe injury patients.

Conclusion: Work-related open-globe injuries are a significant problem commonly encountered in healthcare settings throughout the world. It can cause significant morbidity in a young population of patients. This type of injury can be largely prevented with proper education and use of safety equipment.