Eye Safety and Ocular Hazards: A Review of Occupational, Environmental, and Protective Determinants

Abstract

Occupational eye injuries remain a significant but preventable public health problem globally, particularly among agricultural and small-scale industrial workers. This review synthesizes evidence from ten peer-reviewed studies examining occupational ocular hazards, prevalence of injuries, determinants of protective eyewear use, and preventive interventions. The included literature comprises cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, intervention trials, and narrative reviews. Findings indicate that mechanical trauma, foreign body injuries, chemical exposure, and ultraviolet radiation are predominant hazards in agricultural and sawmill settings. Despite strong evidence supporting protective eyewear, compliance remains suboptimal due to discomfort, accessibility barriers, and limited awareness. Systematic evidence further highlights socioeconomic determinants and workplace safety culture as critical predictors of injury risk. The review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions, improved enforcement of occupational safety policies, and culturally adapted educational strategies to reduce preventable ocular morbidity.