Background: Approximately 1.2 million workers are employed within chemical industries throughout South Africa. Very little basic data exists regarding the ocular health status and prevalence of occupationally related eye disorders of these workers.
Method: A questionnaire was administered and an ocular health examination was carried out on 78 workers in a chemical factory. Workers and the ocular disorders found were then classified according to those exposed and those not exposed to chemicals.
Results: Ocular disorders were more prevalent in exposed workers (73.1%) than in nonexposed workers (43.6%). Statistically significant differences between exposed and nonexposed workers were found with respect to the prevalence of certain anterior segment disorders, viz., tear disorders, dry eye conditions, allergic conjunctivitis, and conjunctival melanosis. In respect to the prevalence of ocular disorders found, 40.8% were attributed to occupational exposure to chemicals.
Conclusion: This pilot study shows that further research is required to explore the cause-effect relation between chemical exposure and development of certain anterior segment disorders. Occupational exposure to chemicals should be reduced and exposure protocols at work need to be revised in order to reduce the prevalence of occupationally related eye disorders.