O-335 BILATERAL PTERYGIUM AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE IN FORESTRY WORKERS IN WASIOR, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA: CASE REPORT

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 74; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Danukusumo, Lelitasari, Cahyono, Agung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05.07.2024
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae023.1259

Abstract Introduction Pterygium is an epithelial conjunctiva bulbi and connective tissue growth that could cause vision problems. Pterygium is mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas. Forestry workers almost all day work under the UV radiation exposure to the worker’s eyes. Wasior, West Papua is a coastal region where the sun shines all day. Methods A 53-year-old man, works as a wood volume measuring officer (skaller) for 5 years. This worker does their work for 7-8 hours every day in an open space under the sun on the beach. Previously the worker worked for 5 years in a fish processing company as the person in charge of the transportation fleet, the work was carried out in an open space by the beach and exposed to sunlight. During work the patient wears a hat but never uses anti-ultra violet glasses. Since 3 years ago, the patient has complained of red, itchy eyes and growing membranes in the corners of the left and right eye that move midway through the eyeball. Results The results of eye examination using a flashlight aid pterygium in the right eye grow from the corner of the inner eye and the outer corner of the eye has reached the middle of the cornea. Discussion Pterygium in the left eye grows from the corner of the inner eye already reaching the edge of the cornea. Conclusion Bilateral pterygium in these forestry workers meets the criteria to be categorized as occupational diseases based on work history and a history of ultraviolet exposure sufficient to cause pterygium in both eyes.