Revista de Oftalmología Clínica y Experimental
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abstracto

M. Rita Hepsi Rani*, P. Kavitha

Background: Halogen lamp is an incandescent lamp consisting of tungsten filaments sealed in a compact transparent glass envelope, containing a mixture of inert gas. The smaller size, easy portability and more coverage area helps in its use in many indoor and outdoor events. This carried a problem with its improper use. We here in this article report one such incident that happened in Monanjipatti temple, in a village in South India, where on using unshielded halogen bulbs lead to blurring of vision, redness, watering, photophobia, irritation and eye pain amongst the temple festival attendees. So, this paper serves the purpose of showing clinical based evidence of ocular side effects on using halogen bulbs. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted by a team of ophthalmologists among the attendees of Monanjipatti temple festival to analyse the effect of UV radiation, on ocular tissues caused by using unshielded halogen bulb. A detailed questionnaire with clinical examination was done to confirm the diagnosis and to analyse the awareness on safety measures designed for these lamps. Results: Out of 125 attendees we interviewed, 28 developed photokeratitis (22.4%), 80 developed conjunctival congestion (64%), 31 had watering (24.8%), had eye pain (20%), 108 had irritation of eyes others and on prolonged exposure. Conclusion: The essence of this study shows that the photokeratitis and the aforesaid ocular manifestations are mainly due to UV exposure from the unshielded halogen bulb. And it also implies the need of Government of India initiative in regulating the usage of this kind of hazardous material.