Uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries among the adolescent and adult population in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries in the adolescent and adult population in Australia.


METHODS
National Health Survey conducted via personal interviews with a stratified random sample.


METHODS
Population-based.


METHODS
Individuals selected from the total population aged 15 or older. Exposure measures: Information on uncorrected or untreated vision problems was collected by personal interview via responses to screening questions.


METHODS
Information on occupational injuries also collected via personal interview.


RESULTS
After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of occupational injury increased by approximately 60% (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.24) for those who had any uncorrected or untreated vision problems, and by 3(1/2) times (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.64 to 7.55) for those with untreated macular degeneration compared with healthy subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Uncorrected or untreated vision problems, particularly macular degeneration, significantly increased the risk of occupational injury. Vision examination should be recommended and implemented regularly for all workers.
Lam
L T
LT
Centre for Trauma Care, Prevention, Education, and Research, The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, Australia. lawrencl@chw.edu.au
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult