Eyestrain in Working Children of Footwear Making Units of Agra, India

Children of footwear making units are working in the soling process. The process includes fixing of upper part with the sole of the footwear. The adhesives contain a mix of organic solvents, which are released in the working environment and cause irritation and lacrimation of eyes. In addition poor illumination and ventilation further aggravates the eyestrain. The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence and the associated factors of eyestrain in working children of footwear making units. The study included 139 exposed and 160 comparison group subjects. Self-reported eyestrain was recorded through personal interview. The prevalence of eyestrain in child laborers was 25.9%, which was significantly more than the 12.4% prevalence in comparison group subjects (P=0.01). Working children of footwear making units were at 2.4 times higher risk of developing eyestrain as compared to comparison group subjects, though statistically non significant. Significantly higher proportion of eyestrain was reported in those aged >12 years, males and those working daily for >4 hours. The higher prevalence of eyestrain in the working children of footwear units may be attributed to exposure to workplace factors.