The OCULAR SURFACE FOREIGN BODIES: THEIR INCIDENCE, CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS

Abstract

Purpose: To study the incidence and demographic patterns of ocular surface foreign bodies (OSFB) and their correlation with location in eye and preventive measures taken to avoid them.
 Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study
 Place and Duration: Eye Department, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 (12 months)
 Methods: After obtaining informed consent and IRB approval, demographic data of patients presenting with OSFB was collected. Type, location and laterality of OSFB were also noted, Foreign bodies were removed with 27-gauge hypodermic needle. Patients were inquired about use of protective equipment. Data was saved on excel sheets and analyzed on SPSS v. 25.0. 
 Results: 329 patients were included in study out of which 294 (89.3%) were males and 35 (10.7%) females. OSFB were present in right eyes in 149 (45.3%), left in 170 (51.6%) and bilateral in 10 (3.1%) patients. Corneal foreign bodies were present in 220 (66.9%) patients, upper tarsal foreign bodies in 64 (19.4%) followed by scleral, lower forniceal, medial canthal and lower lid foreign bodies collectively present in 24 (7.4%) patients. Metallic OSFB were found in 252 (76.6%), dust particles in 36 (10.9%) and “miscellaneous” (stones, paint particles, glass pieces and lashes) in 16 (4.9%) individuals. Only 48 (14.5%) people used protective measures at their workplace.
 
 Conclusion: Ocular surface foreign bodies are more common in males and most commonly involve superficial cornea. Most of the times, they are metallic particles in origin and people scarcely use any protective equipment. With proper awareness, their incidence can be reduced significantly.