Descripción de las condiciones de párpados y superficie ocular en estudiantes de laboratorio dental de la Universidad Santo Tomas en el año 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Dental laboratory technicians are professionals responsible for designing prosthetic and orthopedic dental devices to improve both oral health and appearance. During their work, they are exposed to particulate matter from the materials used, which can cause skin, respiratory tract, and eye conditions. Objective: To analyze the condition of the eyelids and ocular surface in dental laboratory students at the Universidad Santo Tomás in 2024. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study with analytical intent was conducted. Students were selected through stratified random sampling and grouped based on practice hours (less or more than six hours). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed through tests such as Schirmer I, Break-Up Time (BUT), tear meniscus evaluation, blink frequency, and ocular protection index. Frequency distributions, central tendency, and dispersion measures were applied. Results: The study included 70 students with an average age of 20.2 years; 74.29% were female. Half of the participants practiced less than six hours, and 84.29% used eye protection. Students with more than six hours of practice had higher exposure to acrylic resins (p=0.001), dental plaster (p=0.002), sandblasters (p=0.002), and mixers (p=0.001). The most common symptoms were occasional eye burning (57.14%), tearing (34.29%), and foreign body sensation (31.43%). Allergic conjunctivitis was identified in 81.43% and anterior blepharitis in 22.86%, with significant differences between groups. All participants showed altered BUT. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of ocular alterations associated with prolonged exposure during academic practice, highlighting the need to implement preventive measures in the dental laboratory environment.