Factors associated with treatment delay and PPE use in occupational corneal foreign body injuries: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate characteristics, first aid and PPE use among patients with occupational corneal foreign body (CFB) injuries.Methods A cross-sectional study included 92 male patients treated at Harran University. Data on demographics, job type, injury cause, PPE use, first aid and occupational safety service exposure were analysed.Results The mean age was 36.04 ± 12.24 years, average work experience 11.86 ± 10.98 years. Welding/metalwork was the most common job (38.0%), and 87.0% of injuries were caused by metallic objects. Treatment delay occurred in 75.0% of patients, incorrect first aid was reported in 9.8%, and 53.3% did not consistently use PPE. Younger patients performed significantly better first aid (p = 0.006), while inconsistent PPE use was significantly higher among those who received occupational health and safety (OHS) services (p = 0.034).Conclusion These findings emphasise the importance of PPE and occupational safety services to reduce eye injury risks in workplaces.