Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 2

Ocular Morbidity among Welders in the Shipbuilding Industry, Goa

  • Author:
  • Nateshan Bhumika1, Ganapati Vasant Prabhu2, Agnelo Menino Ferreira3, Manoj Kumar Kulkarni4, Frederick Satiro Vaz5, Zile Singh6, Anil Jacob Purty7, J Venkatachalam8
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 52 to 57

1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathychettikulam, Kalapet, Puducherry

2MBBS, Diploma in Industrial and Occupational Health, General Manager (Health and Safety), Goa Shipyard Limited, Vasco, Goa

3Director Professor, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa

4Assistant Professor (Biostatistics), Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa

5Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa

6Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathychettikulam, Kalapet, Puducherry

7Professor and Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathychettikulam, Kalapet, Puducherry

8Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathychettikulam, Kalapet, Puducherry

Online published on 9 May, 2014.

Abstract

While welding has conventionally been known to predispose welders to ocular morbidity (OM), organised sector requires implementation of stringent workplace safety rules. Are welders still predisposed to OM by virtue of their occupation?

This cross-sectional study involved 552 workers; 276 welders and 276 nonwelders. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was followed by ocular examination and testing by means of a Titmus Vision Tester.

The prevalence of OM among the two study groups comparable in age and duration of employment (DOE), was found to be significantly higher among welders with odds ratio (OR) of 1.75 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.45 - 2.11)) despite regular PPE (personal protective equipment) use. Arc eye was limited to welders. Prevalence of cataract was greater in welders (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.27–5.70) and was associated with a younger age and a shorter DOE compared to nonwelders. There were more cases of diminished colour vision among the welders (OR = 4.09, 95% CI: 1.63 - 10.28) and they did not differ significantly from the nonwelders with the same ocular morbidity in terms of mean age and DOE. Visual field defects, pterygium and myopia were more prevalent among welders; however statistical significance was weak.

Welders have a greater burden of ocular morbidity compared to nonwelders despite regular PPE use.

Keywords

Welding, Ocular Morbidity, Pterygium, ARC Eye, Colour Vision