Pengaruh Intensitas Radiasi Ultraviolet dan Pemakaian Alat Pelindung Mata terhadap Gejala Gangguan Mata pada Pekerja Las di Jalan Mahkamah Medan

Abstract

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from eye disorders, and eye conditions in 1.1 billion of them are actually preventable. Work-related eye disorders are among the leading causes, with more than 13 million cases resulting from occupational activities. The workplace is a major risk factor, with 13 million workers experiencing eye disorders due to work activities. In Indonesia, the informal sector, particularly the welding industry, is one of the main contributors to the high risk of eye disorders, mainly due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and low use of protection equipment. This study aims to analyze the effect of ultraviolet radiation intensity and the use of eye protection equipment on symptoms of eye disorders among welders on Mahkamah Street Medan. This research employed a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of the entire population of welders at the location, totaling 40 workers, with total population sampling. Data analysis was performed using univariate and bivariate analyses with simple logistic regression tests. The results showed a significant effect of ultraviolet radiation intensity (p-value = 0.014) and the use of eye protection equipment (p-value = 0.0425) on symptoms of eye disorders. The higher the intensity of ultraviolet, the more severe the eye disorder symptoms experienced by workers. Conversely, the more consistent the use of eye protective equipment, the lower the level of eye disorder symptoms. It is recommended that welders regularly undergo eye health check-ups, consistently use eye protection equipment during welding processes, and receive education on the dangers of ultraviolet radiation and the importance of eye protection. By increasing awareness and compliance with the use of protection equipment, it is expected that eye disorders caused by welding can be minimized.