Needle stick injuries in ophthalmology unit in a tertiary care center, India

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) and sharps injuries are prevalent among ophthalmology staff due to the nature of their work, posing significant risks of blood-borne infections. Understanding their frequency, causes, and effective management strategies is crucial. This study investigates the prevalence of NSIs and sharps injuries among ophthalmology staff at a tertiary care center, aiming to identify contributing factors and propose management strategies. Method: This was a retrospective review of NSIs collected from 2018 to 2022 at an ophthalmic tertiary care facility in India. All patients with NSI are treated according to the standard treatment policy. This study includes a survey of all medical staff working in the ophthalmology unit. Result: A total of 128 NSI were reported over 5 years is taken. Resident sustained (54; 42.5%) NSIs, nurse (41: 32.2%), physician (25; 19.6%), and other (8; 6.3%). In all maximum NSI occur in operation theater (94; 74%) followed by casualty (15; 11.8%), outpatient department (10; 7.8%), and ophthalmic ward (9; 7%). Conclusion: NSIs are common among the staff in operation theater during surgeries, but no seroconversions to hepatitis B, HIV, or HCV were reported in this study population, indicating the effectiveness of post-exposure protocols and vaccination. Proper disposal mechanisms for needles and sharp instruments, thorough documentation of adverse events, ongoing staff training, and prompt prophylactic treatment are especially crucial for anterior segment surgeons as essential components of the protocol for managing NSIs.