Citation

Lam LT. Inj. Prev. 2008; 14(6): 396-400.

Affiliation

Centre for Trauma Care, Prevention, Education, and Research, The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2008.018846

PMID

19074246

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries in the adolescent and adult population in Australia. DESIGN: National Health Survey conducted via personal interviews with a stratified random sample. SETTING: Population-based. SUBJECTS: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.

Language: en