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PURPOSE: To determine the ocular sequelae of rockdrilling. METHODS: Nineteen rockdrillers and 20 age-, sex- and race-matched control subjects underwent ocular examination in a prospective manner. RESULTS: Subepithelial conceal 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 one driller (5%) vitreous liquefaction was present in 17 of 17 drillers (100%) examined by a retina specialist and nine 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.
Dr. A.M. Mansour, Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
9.4.3.1 Pigmentary glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders > 9.4.3 Glaucomas associated with disorders of the iris and ciliary body)