None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Previous research has shown that eye symptoms are commonly experienced by bush firefighters during work and current official recommendations for protective eyewear have limitations for use on the fireground. The research study aims to determine whether commercially available eyecare products can reduce the adverse effects of bushfire smoke on the eyes of Australia bush firefighters while they are working. In this study, bush firefighters will be divided into 4 groups and with each group randomly allocated to receive a commerically available eyecare product to use at one fireground shift. The products are eyedrops, eyelid wipes and saline to rinse eyes. Change in eye symptoms and signs of eye surface problems will be measured before and after use of the products to determine effectivity.
Interventions
ARM 1: Povidone 0.68% and propylene glycol 0.3% in Rohto Dry Eye Aid eyedrops
Dose: One application (1–2 drops per eye) at least once during a single fireground shift. Participants may use additional applications during the shift as required according to symptoms.
Duration of treatment: Single fireground shift (one-day intervention).
Mode of delivery: Topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops).
Adherence: Participants will be instructed on correct use prior to the fireground shift. Adherence will b
ARM 1: Povidone 0.68% and propylene glycol 0.3% in Rohto Dry Eye Aid eyedrops Dose: One application (1–2 drops per eye) at least once during a single fireground shift. Participants may use additional applications during the shift as required according to symptoms. Duration of treatment: Single fireground shift (one-day intervention). Mode of delivery: Topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops). Adherence: Participants will be instructed on correct use prior to the fireground shift. Adherence will be assessed using a post-shift questionnaire in which participants will report whether they used the eye drops and the number of applications during the shift. ARM 2: Not applicable. The intervention is a non-medicinal eyelid cleansing pad containing a proprietary surfactant-based cleansing formulation (not a medicinal active ingredient). Dose: Clean the upper and lower eyelid margins of both eyes once during a single shift. Participants may use additional applications during the shift as required according to symptoms. Duration of treatment: Single fireground shift (one-day intervention). Mode of delivery: Topical eyelid cleansing using a pre-moistened disposable lid wipe. Adherence: Participants will be instructed on the correct cleansing technique prior to the fireground shift. Adherence will be assessed using a post-shift questionnaire in which participants will report whether they used the lid wipe during the shift, and the number of applications during the shift and approximate time of usage. ARM 3: Sterile isotonic sodium chloride 0.9% solution Dose: Rinsing one or both eyes at least once during a single fireground shift. Participants may use additional applications during the shift as required according to symptoms. Duration of treatment: Single fireground shift (one-day intervention). Mode of delivery: Topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops). Adherence: Participants will be instructed on correct use prior to the fireground shift. Adherence will be assessed using a post-shift questionnaire in which participants will report whether they used the saline and the number of applications during the shift and approximate time of usage.
Sponsors
University of New South Wales
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Equal to or greater than 18 years of age Employed or volunteer firefighters assigned fireground duties for at least 75% of their shift at controlled burns or bushfires Expected operational deployment on the during the study period Willing to comply with study protocol including download and using the mobile phone app called MyCap .
Exclusion criteria
Firefighters using contact lenses during their firefighting shift Firefighters assigned non-fireground duties for >25% of their shift including but not limited to driving, aerial firefighting, command positions. Allergy to menthol, castor or sesame oil Allergy to sodium chloride
Outcome results
None listed