Ocular Morbidities Associated with Workers in Brewing Industries

Introduction: Globally, ocular morbidities have worsened the rate of visual impairments. It was estimated that about 285 million people are visually impaired, 39 million are blind, and 246 million have low vision. The process of beer production can lead to various eye morbidities or injuries to the workers, and these injuries are preventable. This study investigated the prevalent ocular conditions and their causes among workers in brewery Industries.

Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional study design and was carried out in three different breweries. A total of 400 participants consisting of 279 males and 121 females were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires and eye examination were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and summarize the data.

Results: Our findings revealed that pterygium (30%, 24.8% & 24.1% respectively) was the highest prevalent ocular morbidity among workers in the brewing industry. Pinguecula (21.5%, 23.2% & 17.9%) and allergic conjunctivitis (18.5%, 13.6% & 7.6%) were also prevalent. Correspondingly, exposure to foreign body/dust particles (33.1%, 33.5% & 29.2) accounted mostly for the causes of ocular morbidities among these workers. Other possible causes of ocular morbidities were fumes/gases, unfavorable temperature conditions, etc.

Conclusion: Pterygium, pinguecula and allergic conjunctivitis were prevalent among workers in the brewing industry. Similarly, exposure to foreign bodies/dust particles, fumes/gases, carelessness/nonchalance by workers, and unfavorable temperature condition were the major causes of ocular morbidities/problems.