Abstract

CORTES, Soraya P  and  IDROVO, Alvaro J. Prevalence of pterygia, pingueculae, and conjuntival hiperplasia among cement workers from Bogotá. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2001, vol.3, n.1, pp.65-73. ISSN 0124-0064.

A retrospective exploratory study was realized with 195 cement workers to explore the association between cement dust exposure and the occurrence of pterygia, pingueculae, and conjuntival hiperplasia. An optometrist examined the population in the enterprise during 1998. The prevalences of conjuntival alterations were: pingueculae 37,4 %, conjuntival hiperplasia 23,6 %, and pterygia 19 %. The workers were classified in three groups according to exposure levels determined by an occupational health specialist. The findings of the group comparison suggest an association between cement dust exposure and pterygia (PRa: 9,8; IC95 %: 1,4-68,8). New studies are required to improve the knowledge about the etiology of conjuntival alterations. Changes in the occupational environment and personal protective elements are recommended to guarantee ocular health.

Keywords : Pterygia; pingueculae; conjuntival hiperplasia; cement dust; occupational health.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )