Ophthalmic injuries in sailors and sea workers – pathomechanism and treatment

The purpose of the article is to do a literature review and present own experience regarding the main causes of ophthalmic injuries in sailors and crew workers. Sailors and sea workers often use heavy equipment when working on a vessel, offshore platform or other. Using these types of tools often carries high risk of injury. They are also exposed to various chemicals, many of which are eye irritants. Ophthalmic injuries are common but rarely fatal. They can lead to vision loss, reduce the quality of life and inability to continue work. The categorized types of these injuries and included chemical, mechanical, electrical, diving related barotrauma and infections. We present the most common cause of these types of injury, situations in which they can occur, pathomechamism of eye damage, recommend a prevention method, recommend the possible first aid and present cases in which specialized treatment in a reference hospital is necessary.