Preventing Ocular Surface Foreign Body Complications: Enhancing Awareness and Precaution

Background: Ocular surface foreign bodies are the second most common emergency condition in the ophthalmology department OPD, which can be easily prevented through proper precautionary measures. Also, they can be either superficial or embedded into the cornea or conjunctiva. In this study, we aimed to create awareness regarding the prevention and management of such cases to reduce ocular complications. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Ophthalmology department of Ziauddin University Hospital Karachi. The study duration was 4 years from 16th November 2019 to 15 November 2022. Patients presented to the ophthalmology department OPD with complaints of ocular foreign bodies were examined clinically and a total of 427 patients were included in the study who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data was collected and analyzed on SPSS 23. The chi-square test was used to compare the variables. Results: Our study analyzed that ocular surface foreign bodies had a strong association with the profession. The metallic foreign bodies were found in 283(66.3%) patients and the remaining 144 (37.7%) were non-metallic. There was a strong correlation found between the type of foreign body and the site of ocular involvement. The p-value was significant with 0.0001. Conclusion: The majority of ocular surface foreign bodies were workplace-related due to a lack of awareness of protective measures. A counseling workshop should be arranged regarding its importance for workers in their workplaces which will improve their work capacity, and health and reduce economic burden.