Visual Impairment and Risk of Self-Reported Road Traffic Crashes Among Bus Drivers in Bangladesh.

PURPOSE: This study assesses the prevalence and the causes of visual impairment among bus drivers undergoing screening in Bangladesh and associations with self-reported crashes. METHODS: Eye health screenings including refraction and questionnaires were conducted at 10 bus terminals in 7 districts of Bangladesh from June through August 2019. Presenting near and distance visual impairment and self-reported road traffic crashes were recorded. RESULTS: Among 700 participants, nearly 1 in 5 (n = 126, 18.0%) had presented visual acuity (VA) in the better-seeing eye ≤6/9, not meeting the vision standard of Bangladesh for bus drivers. A majority of drivers (n = 492, 70.3%) had near or distance refractive error, and most who failed to reach the driving standard (88.1%, n = 111) could be improved with readily available treatment, either glasses or cataract surgery. A history of 1 or more road traffic crashes while driving a bus or minibus was reported by 62 (8.97%) participants. In multivariable models, factors significantly associated with near or distance visual impairment included older age [odds ratio (OR) per year 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.18, P < 0.0001] and having no driver's license (OR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04-3.13, P = 0.037). Self-reported history of a motor vehicle crash was associated with near or distance visual impairment (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.09-5.49, P = 0.030), even when adjusting for other factors such as age and weekly miles are driven. CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring that bus drivers are screened to meet the required visual standards for driving while referring those who do not for treatment, can contribute to safer roads in this high-risk setting.

Pattern of ocular injuries in Bangladesh and its surgical management at hospital setting: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of ocular injuries and their surgical management.. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex, Chittagong, Bangladesh, and comprised hospital data of patients with ocular injuries from October 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Information gathered related to type and cause of injuries, visual acuity, postoperative complications, follow-up visits, and outcome. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total injuries, 370 (91%) were classified open globe and 36 (9%) as close globe. In terms of type of injury, 330 (81.4%) were penetrating, 30 (7.3%) ruptured globe, 29 (7.1%) lime burn and 17 (4.2%) injuries were traumatic hyphaema and chemical in nature. Open globe injuries were mostly found in subjects aged 18 years or below. Surgery was the main mode of management in 388 (95.5%) patients. Conclusion: Preventive measures along with high-quality management should receive priority for reducing monocular blindness.