title: Ocular sequelae of pneumatic drills.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the ocular sequelae of rock-drilling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen rock-drillers and 20 age-, sex- and race-matched control subjects underwent ocular examination in a prospective manner.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subepithelial corneal opacities were found in 12 drillers (63%) and none of the controls; pigmented trabecular meshwork was noted in 13 drillers (68%) and 1 control (5%); low-tension glaucoma was diagnosed in 1 driller (5%); vitreous liquefaction was present in 17 of 17 drillers (100%) examined by a retina specialist and 9 of 20 controls (45%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sequelae of drilling include corneal scars from projectile pieces of drilled stone as well as vibration-induced pigment deposition in the trabecular meshwork and vitreous liquefaction. Wearing of safety glasses is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mansour
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Uwaydat
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Khouri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014129:Trabecular Meshwork; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014822:Vitreous Body