Clinical Immunological American Dermato-epidemiologic Network

Epidemiology: Open Access

Pattern of Sharps Injuries in Ophthalmic Practice

Abstract

Author(s): Ahmad Mohammad Alshihry

Sharps injuries are well known risk for health care workers in ophthalmology. The objective of this study is to describe the pattern of sharps injuries in ophthalmic practice. This 7 years prospective study revealed unique pattern of sharps injuries in ophthalmology. Forty-two HCWs were injured. Nurses sustained 50.0% of sharps injuries while technicians sustained 31% and doctors 19%. Theatre was the most common location for sharps injuries 54.8% followed by clinic 14.3% then wards and laboratory at 11.9% each.