A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Eyewear in Reducing the Incidence and Severity of Eye Injuries in Racket Sports

PURPOSE

To assess what eyewear (if any) reduces eye injury incidence and severity in squash, racketball, tennis and badminton.

DESIGN

Systematic review following the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' (PRISMA) and the 'implementing Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science' (PERSiST) guidelines.

METHODS

PubMed, SportDiscus and Web of Science were searched on 22nd February 2023. All study types except reviews were eligible. Studies had to report the type of eyewear worn (if any) with a form of eye injury incidence and severity.

RESULTS

364 papers were initially retrieved and after the screening process 29 remained. A subgroup analysis was carried out on studies that had a sample size of five or above, were not only looking at a particular type of eye injury and that had sufficient data to allow the percentage of eye injuries that occurred when no eyewear was worn to be calculated. From this analysis, the median percentage of eye injuries that occurred when no eyewear was worn was found to be 93%. Some of these injuries were serious and required complex treatment. Prescription lenses, contact lenses and industrial eyewear made some injuries more severe. In squash and racketball, lensless eye guards were ineffective as the ball could deform on impact, still making contact with the eye. Only eyewear compliant with updated ASTM (or similar) standards was associated with no eye injuries and so provided adequate protection in all four sports.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this systematic review only summarizes evidence on injuries requiring hospital treatment, it is recommended that national governing bodies and key decision makers within squash, racketball, tennis and badminton examine the evidence presented and consider extending existing rules or implementing new recommendations and policies on protective eyewear use to reduce eye injury incidence and severity in their sport.

Eye injuries in badminton - players' perspective toward the usage of personal protective equipment

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a survey between April to September 2021 to understand the perspective of badminton players on the usage of personal protective equipment to avoid eye injuries.

METHODS

The survey was conducted online. It was disseminated through various social media platforms and via e-mail. The survey was initially shared with university-level badminton players. Both recreational and professional players were included. They were further encouraged to circulate the survey questionnaire among their colleagues.

RESULTS

In total, the survey received 372 responses. After removing possible duplicates and incomplete responses (n = 28), 92.5% (n = 344) of the responses were included in the final analysis. Among the 344 included responses, recreational and professional players accounted for 77.6% (n = 267) and 22.4% (n = 77), respectively. The mean age ± SD of the recreational and professional players were 24.1 ± 6.3 years (range 14-60 years) and 25.7 ± 6.0 years (range 14-61 years), respectively. A significant difference was noted for self-reported eye injuries between recreational and professional players while playing badminton (χ2 value = 5.321, p = 0.02). Among the recreational and professional players, 93.6% (n = 250) and 88.3% (n = 68) did not use protective eyewear while playing badminton. Professional players were at higher risk of eye injuries than recreational players (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.8).

CONCLUSION

The majority of badminton players in both groups agreed that PPE usage would lower the risk of sustaining eye injuries; however, they are ambiguous about the usage of protective eyewear. In contrast, players with self-reported eye injuries were aware of its impacts and encouraged the usage of PPEs associated with badminton. Further studies are warranted to understand and educate badminton players about the causes and impacts of eye injuries in badminton.

Preventing Eye Injuries From Light and Laser-Based Dermatologic Procedures: A Practical Review

The light and laser-based devices used in cosmetic dermatology practice carry a risk of serious ocular injury if appropriate safety measures are not put in place. Currently there is a lack of enforced regulation around the use of these devices. This raises concerns for the handling of these devices by operators who may not have adequate training and qualifications. There is also no mandated reporting of adverse events, thus precluding determination of the true incidence of laser-induced ocular injuries. To decrease the risk of ocular and periocular laser-induced injuries, several practical measures can be implemented within the clinical setting. Scientific articles were identified by performing a literature review using terms relevant to laser eye safety and a narrative review was performed. This article explores several components of laser eye safety: patient screening and informed consent, clinical environment considerations, operator considerations, protective eyewear selection for operators and patients, when to use a corneal shield, how to place a corneal shield and what to do in the event of a suspected eye injury. It is our prerogative that a functional understanding of the scientific underpinnings of laser eye safety coupled with observance of published standards has the potential to reduce incidents.

Preventing occupational chemical eye injuries: important lessons from poison information centres

BACKGROUND

Occupational exposure to hazardous substances is a major public health problem. In the workplace, eye exposures are common and can be a major cause of morbidity and disability. This commentary discusses the role of poison information centres in providing valuable information on the circumstances and causes of these incidents.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

As many eye exposures are easily preventable, there is a need to establish better safety practices in the workplace. Currently, both governments and labour organizations primarily employ injury statistics for the purpose of occupational health surveillance. Identifying risk factors associated with acute exposures in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach using a variety of information resources. Using information from poison information centres can provide invaluable insight into the specifics of the exposure, including the route(s) of exposure, the substances involved and the cause of the exposure.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF OCCUPATIONAL EYE EXPOSURES

Exposure to hazardous substances can occur at various time points during work. A prospective study performed by the Dutch Poisons Information Centre showed that cleaning is a high-risk activity for occupational eye exposure. Patients were often exposed to chemical mixtures that frequently contained alkalis or acids.

CHEMICAL EYE INJURIES

Symptoms following eye contact with chemicals can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type and concentration of the substance(s) involved, the duration of exposure and the time and duration of irrigation (first-aid measure). Eye contact will usually cause irritation, but in more severe cases, chemical burns will result. Recent studies demonstrate that occupational eye exposures often result in only relatively mild symptoms, such as pain, redness, lacrimation or temporary loss of vision. More severe symptoms, such as corneal abrasion, were reported rarely, which may be explained by prompt eye irrigation.

ROOT CAUSES OF OCCUPATIONAL EYE EXPOSURES

To control risks to workers, a hierarchy of prevention and control measures has been established, which employers must take. If elimination or substitution of the dangerous substance is not possible, the exposure can be prevented or reduced by taking organizational (e.g., providing work instructions), technical (e.g., ventilation) and personal (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment) measures. The study performed by the Dutch Poisons Information Centre showed that organizational factors (such as lack of work instructions) and personal factors (such as time pressure and fatigue, and not (adequately) using personal protective equipment), were the main causes of occupational eye exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Poison information centres provide valuable information that can be used to develop prevention strategies to reduce the number of acute occupational exposures in the future. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure that these preventive measures are actually applied in practice. Therefore, all organizations involved (including governments, labour organizations, medical professionals, occupational physicians, occupational hygienists, safety experts and poison information centres) must work closely together.

Quantifying the efficacy of protective eyewear in pediatric soccer-induced retinal injury

BACKGROUND

Ocular injury is common in children playing sports. Sports-related eye injuries, if severe enough, can lead to permanent vision impairment. Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, is a sport in which players rarely use protective eyewear. The purpose of this study was to determine how eye injuries are induced by a soccer ball impact and to evaluate whether eye protection influences the effects of impact.

METHODS

A finite element (FE) computer simulation was used to simulate soccer ball trauma on a model of the eye with and without eye protection. Protective eyewear of different materials (polycarbonate and acrylic) was modeled to investigate the optimal medium for eye protection. Stress and strain experienced by the eyeball was quantified by the FE computer simulation in each model.

RESULTS

Protective eyewear was found to be effective in lowering ocular stress and strain by absorbing and redirecting energy from the ball. Compared to the unprotected eye model, polycarbonate eyewear reduced the average stress the retina experienced by 61%, whereas the acrylic model reduced the average stress by 40%. Polycarbonate and acrylic eyewear also reduced the maximum strain experienced by the retina by 69% and 47%, respectively, reducing the severity of deformations of the eye on impact.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that wearing protective eyewear, especially when made of polycarbonate, can be an effective means of reducing injury-inducing retinal stress. The use of eye protection is thus recommended for pediatric patients participating in soccer.

The Importance of Health Literacy in Addressing Eye Health and Eye Care Disparities

Disparities in eye health and eye care frequently result from a lack of understanding of ocular diseases and limited use of ophthalmic health services by various populations. The purpose of this article is to describe the principle of health literacy and its central role in enhancing health, and how its absence can result in poorer health outcomes. The article evaluates the current status of health literacy in visual health and disparities that exist among populations. It also explores ways to improve health literacy as a means of reducing disparities in visual health and eye care. Advancing dissemination of health information and enhancing health literacy may help not only to reduce healthcare barriers in the underserved populations but also to lessen visual health disparities.

Ocular Trauma During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to summarize the latest literature on the trends and incidence of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the relevant literature. The search period was between January 1, 2020, and September 20, 2021. The incidence of overall and various types of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic and the control period was analyzed. The data from different studies were pooled. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles were included. After pooling the data from all included studies, the incidence of total and pediatric ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic was 67.7% and 54.3% of those in the control period, respectively. However, the proportion of ocular trauma in eye emergency visits increased during the pandemic (OR, 95% CI: 1.46, 1.04-2.06). The proportion of domestic ocular trauma increased (OR, 95% CI: 3.42, 1.01-11.62), while ocular trauma related to sports and outdoor activities and occupational ocular trauma decreased (OR, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.09-4.29 and 0.18, 0.10-0.33, respectively). It was also reported that chemical injury caused by alcohol-based sanitizers, photokeratitis caused by ultraviolet lamps, and mechanical eye injury caused by masks increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a reduction in overall eye injuries and substantial differences in the spectrum of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper health education and supervision should be strengthened to prevent ocular injuries related to COVID-19 preventive interventions.

Combat-related ocular injuries in the Israel Defense Forces during the years 2013 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Ocular injuries account for up to 13% of battle injuries, despite the implementation of advanced protective eyewear (PE). The aim of this study was to describe the extent of ocular injuries over the last years among Israel Defense Forces soldiers and to examine the change in PE policy introduced in 2013 and the effect of a high-intensity conflict on ocular injury characteristics.

METHODS

This retrospective registry-based analysis derived data from the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry and included soldiers who sustained combat-related ocular injuries between the years 2013 and 2019. Demographic data and injury characteristics of casualties, as well as information regarding the use of PE, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2,312 military casualties were available for this study; the incidence of combat-related ocular injuries was 8.9% (n = 113). Ocular injuries occurred among male soldiers (98.2%) with a mean ± SD age of 22.7 ± 4.6 years; mechanism of injury was penetrating in 59.3% of the casualties and blunt in 22.1% of the casualties, ocular injury was isolated in 51.3% of the casualties, and others sustained concomitant injuries including head (32.7%), upper extremity injury (17.7%), lower extremity (15.9%), torso (8.0%), neck (6.2%), and other (5.9%) injuries. Ocular injuries rate was similar among casualties who used PE (11.2%) and those who did not use PE (13.0%) while injured (p = 0.596). Rate of open globe injuries was 9.1% in casualties who used PE and 39.5% (p = 0.002) in casualties who did not.

CONCLUSION

Eye protection may significantly reduce ocular injuries severity. Education of the combatants on the use of PE and guidance of medical teams on proper assessment, initial treatment, and rapid evacuation of casualties are needed to improve visual outcomes of the casualties further.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiological study, level IV.

Three-dimensional biomimetic head model as a platform for thermal testing of protective goggles for prevention of eye injuries

BACKGROUND

The rate of eye injury is steadily rising during military conflicts of the century, with thermal burns being the most common type of injury to the eyes. The present study focuses on assessing the heat resistance properties of military protective goggles using three-dimensional (3D) finite element head modeling fitted with the tested protective gear.

METHODS

A computational thermal impact was applied onto a 3D biomimetic human head model fitted with two goggle models - sports (Type 1) and square (Type 2). The resultant temperature of the eye tissues and the thermal injury thresholds were calculated by using the modeling, hence allowing to determine the protective efficacy of the goggles objectively, in a standardized, quantitative and cost-effective manner.

FINDINGS

Both types of goggles had a dramatic protective effect on the eyes. The specific goggle geometry had no notable effect on the level of protection to the inner tissues against the thermal insult. At the skin level goggles reduced temperatures by ~64% under the impact zone, with only a mild difference (10 °C) between the goggles.

INTERPRETATION

Little limitations on the shape and geometry of goggles were observed and any structure of goggles can provide an adequate protection against a thermal insult (per se) to inner cranial tissues, assuming the lenses are wide and thick enough to block direct skin contact of the heat insult. It was shown that our 3D biomimetic human head model provides a practical and cost-effective tool for determining the performance level of goggles with different attributed (i.e., shapes and thermal properties).

Motivation for sports participation, injury prevention expectations, injury risk perceptions and health problems in youth floorball players

PURPOSE

Describe the motivation for floorball participation, injury prevention expectations, injury risk perceptions and prevalence of health problems in youth floorball players at the start of the season.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey is part of a larger Sport Without Injury ProgrammE (SWIPE) project and provides baseline data before a cluster randomised controlled trial of an injury prevention program (Knee Control). A baseline survey (online and paper based) was collected from 47 teams with 471 youth floorball players from two provinces of Sweden before the start of the 2017 season.

RESULTS

The mean age for 140 females and 331 males was 13.7 (± 1.5) and 13.3 (± 1.0) years, respectively. The two most significant motivators for floorball participation were being part of the team (82% females, 75% males) and friends (65% females, 70% males). Fractures (84% females, 90% males), eye injuries (90% females, 83% males) and concussion (82% females, 83% males) were perceived as the most severe injuries. 93% of players believed that sports injuries can be prevented, while 74% believed it is unlikely that they will sustain an injury. Existing health problems at the beginning of the season were prevalent in 33% of players, with 65% being injuries and 35% illnesses. 17% of existing injuries at the start of the season caused time-loss from play and 17% required medical attention.

CONCLUSION

Social aspects were the greatest motivators for floorball participation in youths, suggesting that these factors are important to retain sports participants. The high number of health problems in youth is a concern; as such more effort, resources and priority should be given to sports safety programs. Many players believed that sports injuries can be prevented, possibly providing a fertile ground for implementation of such programs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Facial Nerve Paralysis

Patients afflicted with facial paralysis suffer significant physical and psychosocial effects that can lead to depression and social isolation. Timely diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy are keys to achieving good outcomes in the management of facial paralysis. Eye protection is of paramount importance to prevent vision loss in patients with impaired eye closure. Patients should be assessed for signs of depression and treated appropriately.

Effectiveness of corneal abrasion prevention interventions for adults undergoing general anesthesia for more than one hour: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION

The question of this review is: what is the effectiveness of eye lubrication, tape and/or a combination of these interventions in preventing corneal abrasions in adult patients aged 18 and over undergoing general anesthesia for more than one hour?

Boxing and the Eyes: Morphological Aspects of the Ocular System in Boxers

Among all sports, the so-called "contact sports" are those in which the athlete's eye is particularly at risk. In boxing, where the face is the main target, the eye is clearly one of the most exposed parts. To assess the eye risks in this sport a study was carried out between 1992 and 1994 at the Ophthalmological Clinic of the university of Turin, Italy, involving 75 active and ex-boxers (amateurs and professionals) aged 15 to 70 years. Biomicroscopic examinations, refraction and acuity tests, tonometry, exophthalmometry, gonioscopy, ocular fundus examination with Goldmann three-mirror lens) were done. The results of the survey confirm the existence of alterations, generally asymptomatic, both in amateur and professional boxers. The eye examination showed alterations of structures such as the orbital arch, conjunctiva, iris, lens, retina. Four boxers had retinal detachment, three of them due to boxing. The opthalmologist has an important part to play in preventing serious damage to the eye and in checking alterations which might be an expression of subtle neural damage (pupillary alterations).

Prevention and Management of Posterior Capsule Rupture

PURPOSE

To present the means and technique used in our Department for prevention and management of posterior capsule rupture during planned extracapsular cataract extraction.

METHODS

Prospective analysis of 550 extracapsular cataract operations from October 1993 to March 1994. Our technique (a slight modification of Blumenthal's technique) included a triplanar watertight small scleral incision, a relatively large continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, or can-opener capsulotomy, nucleus hydrodissection and hydroexpression, use of an anterior chamber maintainer and residual cortex removal through a 10 o'clock side-port corneal incision.

RESULTS

Best corrected postoperative visual acuity ranged from 7-10/10 in 93.45% of our cases. Posterior capsule rupture with or without vitreous loss occurred in 1.63% and 2.72% of the cases, respectively. These rates are much lower than those, observed, when we used the sclerocorneal incision and nucleus extraction with external pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a triplanar watertight small scleral incision. A relatively large continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, an anterior chamber maintainer and residual cortex aspiration through the 10 o'clock side-port corneal incision greatly reduced the posterior capsule rupture rate.

Serious Eye Injury from Windscreen Contact

A retrospective survey was carried out of serious eye injury caused by windscreen contact in road traffic accidents over a 6–year period. All 15 patients had contacted toughened windscreens, and all but one did not wear seat belts. The cost in terms of pounds sterling paid out by the National Health Service, and also the cost in terms of visual handicap were assessed. It was found that of the 15 patients admitted during this time, the treatment of the large majority cost at least twice as much as that for patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. This was primarily due to the longer hospitalization necessary. Only 2 patients retained a visual acuity of 6/6.

[Floorball – a common cause of sport related eye injury]

Floorball - a common cause of sport related eye injury The aim of this study was to survey the incidence and type of sport related to eye injuries with special interest in floorball. A prospective study was conducted December 1st 2013 through November 30th 2014 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Örebro University Hospital. All patients presenting with an acute sports related eye injury were offered to be included. Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire and from medical journals. During the study period, 49 patients sought care for sports related eye injuries, and 26 (53%) of those were related to floorball. The number of patients who agreed to take part in the study was 38, of which 25 had injuries related to floorball. Among the floorball players, there were two patients where the injury caused permanent vision impairment. None of the floorball players wore eye protection at the time of injury. According to this study, protective eyewear should be recommended when playing floorball, regardless of age or setting.

How Protective Eyewear Has Changed Dramatically Over the Decades

Today's safety eyewear can be so lightweight and comfortable that at times workers don't even notice they are wearing it once it's on.

Your Eyes Are Amazing—They Deserve Quality PPE

When vision is impaired, quality of life and the ability to work experience a drastic and unfortunate decline. Preventing eye injuries should be a top task on every safety professional's to-do list.

Testing and Inspecting Your Emergency Equipment

Here's what the key eyewash and shower standard, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, says about weekly tests and annual inspections of the equipment.

The safety and feasibility of diagnostic acoustic radiation force impulse elastography used for eyes. A preliminary in vivo study

AIMS

To assess the safety and feasibility of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in the eyes of rats. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty-six SD rats were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 was the control group and Group 2 to Group 7 were investigated by ARFI elastography using increased powers of 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% and repetitions of 5 or 10. The changes of ocular architecture structures and functions were examined by phthalmoscopic, histopathologic, and light reflex examination, and the expression level of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α was determined in days 1, 3, and 7 after ARFI elastography, respectively.

RESULTS

A satisfactory ARFI elastography was obtained in all SD rats. The shear wave velocity (SWV) values of soft tissues behind the eyeball were significantly greater than those of the eyes (1.89±0.95 vs. 0.84±0.36 m/s, p<0.05). The SWV values of eyes and the soft tissues behind the eyeball did not differ among any groups at any time-point (p>0.05). The SD rats of each group showed good light perception, pupillary light reflex, and avoidance reaction induced by the sudden bright light from the dark environment at any time. In each group, ocular architecture structures were well preserved, and with a normal expression level of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic ARFI elastography is a safe and feasible ultrasonic imaging mode and may potentially be applied for human eyes in its present form.

Evaluation of the Potential Optical Radiation Hazards with Led Lamps Intended for Home Use

The authors evaluated the potential for ocular damage from optical radiation emitted by Light Emitting Diode (LED) based lamps used for general illumination. Ten LED lamps were randomly selected off the shelf from a local home improvement store. The LEDs were behind diffusers in half of these lamps, while in the other half, the LEDs were clearly visible. In addition, a battery powered LED lantern having a LED source behind a diffuser was measured. The optical radiation emissions from two common incandescent lamps were also measured to compare the relative hazards of LED and incandescent lamps. All lamp samples were evaluated in accordance with procedures specified in the American National Standards Institute/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (ANSI/IESNA) Standard RP-27.3. For comparison purposes, the lantern and 100 W incandescent lamps were also evaluated according to ANSI RP-27.1. These measurements indicate that no lamp evaluated poses any photobiological hazard, and therefore, all lamps fall in the RP-27.3 category of Exempt Group. However, when evaluated in accordance with RP-27.1, the 100 W incandescent lamp would be classified in Risk Group 1 (low risk), while the LED lantern would be classified in Risk Group 2 (moderate risk).

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DOSE REDUCTION OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE LEAD PROTECTIVE GLASSES FOR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY STAFF

In light of the proposal from the International Commission on Radiological Protection for a lowered eye dose limit, now adopted by a European Union Council Directive, lead glasses may be required for some staff in interventional radiology to ensure that occupational exposure is as low as reasonably practicable. To investigate the lens protection offered from various models of lead glasses exposed to X-rays coming from a source to the left and below, calibrated radiochromic film was positioned in the lens area of a head phantom. When the source-to-eye angles were large, the dose reduction factors (the ratio of eye dose without protection to dose with protection) to the right lens area were much lower than to the left lens area, particularly with smaller-lensed glasses, due to gaps in protection between the face and the glasses. The results of this study reiterate the importance of employers providing eyewear based on the morphology of, and fit to, individual workers' faces.

Safety of neonatal phototherapy lamp exposure

A routine review of light exposure within a neonatal intensive care unit is described following the introduction of a new model of neonatal phototherapy lamp. Spectral measurements were undertaken using a Bentham Dmc150 spectroradiometer system. Safety assessments were undertaken based on likely exposure of parents at the cot side, neonates in adjacent cots and the effectiveness of eye protection for neonates with direct phototherapy. An aphakic eye response was used for assessment of neonatal risk and the blue-light response for estimation of adult exposure using current ICNIRP guidelines. Such estimations indicated exposure levels of parents at the cot side and neonates in adjacent cots were within current established safe limits. The level of light blocking provided by the available neonatal eye protection was estimated to be entirely adequate and presented no hazard to the infant when correctly positioned over the neonate. It is likely, however, that an increased safety factor is potentially present for the neonate due to the fact that the neonate's eyes will typically be shut for over 50% of the time. It is identified, however, that the aphakic response is essentially associated with mature adult retinal cells, and that the maturing cells of the neonate may exhibit additional light sensitivity, especially in the case of premature infants. Changes in neonatal physiology associated with neonatal phototherapy are discussed, which may influence mechanisms of light-induced retinal damage.

Prescription Safety Eyewear: Style, Design, Ergonomics, Delivery

Glasses are more protective, resilient, and fashionable than ever before.

Understanding the ANSI Z358.1-2014 Standard for Plumbed and Portable Eyewash Stations

The ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard serves as a benchmark within the United States and also internationally to help protect workers from eye injuries from caustic and corrosive substances.

Time to Be All Eyes and Ears When it Comes to Protective Eyewear

Proper eyewear starts with making sure the PPE fits the task at hand. This often requires employers to conduct a workplace hazard assessment.

Attenuation assessment of medical protective eyewear: the AVEN experience

The goal of this paper is to test the attenuation capability of seven models of protective eyewear used in routine clinical practice. Scattered radiation from a standard patient was simulated by using a water tank located over the treatment couch of a GE Innova 3100 x-ray angiography system. Seven protective eyewear models were tested using an anthropomorphic phantom mimicking the first operator. At each test, 4 thermoluminiscent dosimeters were placed on the phantom (respectively in front of the protective eyewear, under the eyewear, on the left earpiece and at chest level) in order to have an eyewear-independent reference. A test session without glasses was also acquired. Each model was tested with standard posterior-anterior (PA) projections and the two most common protective eyewear were tested using LAO90° and LAO45°CRA30° projections. A worst-case scenario was created to be sure of having an upper limit for the assessment of eyewear attenuation in routine clinical practice. In PA projections, the absolute attenuation value ranged between 71% and 81%, while relative attenuation between dose measured at eye lens and that measured at eyewear earpiece ranged from 67% to 85%. The slightly wider range was probably due to scatter radiation variability; anyway, differences are still included in the variable uncertainty of experimental measurements. It is worth noting that #3 eyewear model (the one without lateral protection) allows an attenuation similar to that of #5 eyewear model (with 0.5 mm lead lateral protection) in LAO90° and LAO45°CRA30° projections. Despite the experimental limitations, a description of the radiation properties of protective eyewear concerning radiation attenuation can be useful to rely on protection devices which can be used in routine clinical practice.

Eye Injury Prevention for the Pediatric Population

Each year an estimated 3.3 to 5.7 million pediatric eye injuries occur worldwide. It is widely reported that 90% of ocular injuries are preventable. Our aim was to identify legislation and policies, education, and mandatory eye protection strategies that have successfully contributed to reducing rates of children's eye injuries. A literature search was conducted using the terms "pediatric" or "children" or "adolescent" and "ocular" or "eye" and "protection" or "injury prevention." Articles were retrieved based on titles and abstracts and assessed in the context of our research question. Strategies identified aimed at reducing ocular trauma fell into 3 broad categories: legislation and policies, education, and personal eye protection. Policies including restrictions on the sale and supply of certain consumer products, mandatory vehicle seatbelts, and laminated windscreens in vehicles have assisted in reducing children's eye injuries. Educational tools aimed at children and their caregivers have been effective in changing attitudes to eye health and safety. Effective pediatric eye injury prevention systems require a multifactorial approach combining legislation, policies, standards, education, and personal eye protection to limit exposure to ocular hazards. A paucity of standardized measurement and lack of funding have limited advances in the field of children's eye injury prevention. Improved eye injury surveillance and research funding along with collaboration with health care providers are important components for strategies to prevent pediatric ocular trauma.

Eye Safety in Dentistry and Associated Liability

The first objective of this article is to expressan experimental-work-supported opinion ofits authors regarding the inadequacy of thepresent dental mask and regular eyewearcombination for protecting dental care practitioners. Its second objective is to suggestamending OSHA Standard 1910.133(a)(1) tomandate effective eye protection for dentalcare practitioners by requiring the use ofeffective means for closing the bottom gapsbetween the lower rims of the lenses of theprotective eyewear and the upper edge ofthe mask worn by the practitioner.The various types and sources of dentalpractice eye occupational hazards and thepossible entry routes of dental debris towarddental practitioners'eyes are discussed.Experimental work, confirming theinadequacy of the present dental mask andeyewear combination for protecting dentalcare practitioners, is presented.

[The challenge and present condition of management of ocular trauma in China]

Management of ocular trauma is widely carried out in China presently. Quick development of treatment and research of ocular trauma was achieved in the last five years, and the achievement was inspired. However, we expressly see that there are still a lot of further work to do in the field of epidemiology of ocular trauma, criterions and guidelines for ocular trauma treatment, meticulous treatment of ocular trauma and technique innovation, and research of ocular trauma. The level of prevention and treatment of ocular trauma should be increased stably so long as the direction is right and the performance is earnest. Meanwhile, the academic status and impact of Chinese ocular trauma field can be elevated in the world consequently.