Does occupation explain gender and other differences in work-related eye injury hospitalization rates?

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine whether demographic differences in eye injury rates persist after adjusting for occupational exposure. Methods: On-duty eye injury hospitalizations were linked to occupation among active-duty US Army personnel. Results: Eye injury rates were higher for white solidiers, men, and for younger soldiers, even after adjusting for occupational group and specific job titles using multivariate models. Conclusions: This finding contrasts with studies of other injuries, suggesting that occupation does not fully account for variations in eye injury risk. Because protective eyewear can prevent most serious eye injuries, we hypothesize that differences in protective eyewear use between men and women may contribute to differences in eye injury rates, although follow-up studies are needed to confirm this. Prevention efforts should consider targeting high-risk demographic groups in addition to high-risk occupations.