Ophthalmic needs of Nigerian factory workers.

In a survey of two factories the potential ocular hazards identified were metal and other foreign body injuries, molten metal injury, radiation effects to the eye and chronic conjunctival irritation from cotton fluff in the atmosphere. Although protective eye devices were provided, they were not often worn, this failure resulting in six ocular accidents. It is recommended that nurses be trained to carry out the initial treatment of ocular accidents and the importance of accident records stressed. Reasons for the importance of preliminary ocular screening of workers are highlighted. Prevention of ocular accidents must be comprehensive to be effective and must necessarily involve management as well as employees.