Ocular sequelae of pneumatic drills.
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.
Mansour
A M
AM
Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
Uwaydat
S H
SH
Khouri
A S
AS
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