Clinical Study
Eye (2008) 22, 925–929; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702772; published online 30 March 2007
Ocular disorders in a petroleum industry in Nigeria
A E Omoti1, J M Waziri-Erameh1 and M E Enock2
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
- 2Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
Correspondence: AE Omoti, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, PMB 1111, Benin City, Nigeria. Tel: +234 803 7047716; E-mail: afeomoti@yahoo.com
Received 7 November 2006; Accepted 30 January 2007; Published online 30 March 2007.
Abstract
Objective
To determine the ocular disorders in the petroleum industry in Warri, Nigeria.
Methods
A clinic-based prospective study of the pattern of ocular disorders in workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in Warri, Delta state of Nigeria was carried out over a 1-year period. Technical and non-technical workers were interviewed and examined using the Snellen's chart, pen-torch, direct ophthalmoscope, slit-lamp biomicroscope, Perkin's hand-held applanation tonometer, and the Kowa automatic visual field plotter where indicated.
Results
A total of 154 technical workers comprising 146 males (94.8%) and eight females (5.2%), and 116 non-technical workers comprising 90 males (77.6%) and 26 females (22.4%) were seen. There was no reported case of ocular trauma. Symptoms suggestive of ocular irritation were much more common in technical workers. Allergic conjunctivitis, pterygium, corneal abrasion, and foreign body on the cornea were significantly more common in technical workers P<0.0001.
Conclusions
Exposure to irritant chemicals in the petroleum industry makes the technical workers more prone to allergic conjunctivitis, pterygium, corneal abrasion, and foreign body on the cornea. Protection goggles should be provided for all the technical workers.
Keywords:
petroleum industry, ocular trauma, irritation, allergic conjunctivitis
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