Effects of Formalin Inhalation on the Visual Acuity of Medical Students in a Nigerian University.
Abstract This study investigated the effect of formalin inhalation on visual acuity of medical students in Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria. Two hundred students (100 males and 100 females) between the ages of 16 and 25 years participated in the research. Students were grouped into two of 100 students per group (50 males and 50 females). Group A is the control, non-exposed group while group B is the test group exposed to formalin inhalation. Data collection among the randomly selected students involved a combination of self-administered and interviewer- administered questionnaires. Visual acuity test was done for distant (DV) and near (NV) visions using the Snellen’s chart and Jaeger’s chart respectively. Results of visual acuity of non-exposed and formalin-exposed male participants showed impairment in 20% and 48% of respectively for DV; 22% and 64% respectively for NV. The percentage of visual impairment in non exposed and exposed female participants was 18% and 42% respectively for DV; 24% and 26% respectively for NV. In conclusion, this study revealed a statistical significant decrease in visual acuity among medical students exposed to formalin inhalation compared to the non-exposed students. Visual impairment was more in males than in females. It is therefore recommended that the concentration of formalin in formalin-treated cadavers used by medical students be re-evaluated and proper ventilation in dissecting rooms/halls be ensured to avoid exposures to abnormally high concentrations of formaldehyde. Key Words: Visual Acuity, Formalin, Inhalation, Snellen’s chart, Jaeger’s chart, Medical Students.