Welding can be defined as a process of joining metal pieces using molten metal produced in the joint through heat and/or pressure. Welders, especially in developing countries, represent an important professional group due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Welding processes cause the generation of poisonous gases and fumes such as aluminium, beryllium, cadmium, monoxide, fluorine, nitrogen oxide which could be dangerous for the eyes. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (2011), some types of ultraviolet radiation can produce an injury to the surface and mucosa of the eye called “bow eye” or welder's eye. During the welding process, in addition to UV rays, visible light and infrared radiation are also emitted. This visible light can overwhelm the iris's ability to close sufficiently and quickly to limit the brightness of light reaching the retina, resulting in time blindness and eye strain. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of pterygium, pingueculae, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eyelid degeneration such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Ajaiyeoba and Scott (2002) studied the risk factors associated with eye diseases and observed that welders were particularly at risk of eye injuries with potential risk of blindness because their occupation involves the exploitation of energy means capable of producing high temperatures. The most common ocular disorders reported among welders are arcuate lesions, pterygium, conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation, tearing, persistent images. Welders use various protective gear such as safety glasses, visors and helmets. The importance of protective equipment cannot be compromised in promoting good health at work and reducing the impact of occupational hazards among welders. Workplace injuries are considered largely preventable, especially if you use adequate eye protection and place appropriate machine guards over obvious hazards. Furthermore, these protective devices must be equipped with the right type of filter lens. Welding filters placed on personal protective equipment are available in different optical densities (shade numbers) depending on the type of welding to be performed. Despite the high level of awareness of workplace hazards and the existence of personal eye protection equipment (PPE), most welders use their protective equipment occasionally while few use it rarely. A study conducted by Kayode et al., (2013) revealed that 64.9% of welders had poor knowledge of the health effects of welding smoke. Ganesh et al (2013) examined the awareness, knowledge and use of eye safety devices of 209 welders and reported that 83.3% were more aware of the hazards than of the safety measures. Inefficient devices such as sunglasses have been considered protective and used as personal protective equipment by some welders. These findings have prompted the need to assess the level of awareness and use of personal protective equipment among welders in Alimosho Local Government Area of ​​Lagos State. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our writers now.