title: Epidemiological studies on occupational eye pathology.
abstract: We examined 522 persons exposed to different types of non-ionizing radiation (UV, IR lasers) in the working environment. The control group consisted of 250 persons. The clinico-statistical analysis of occupational eye pathology depending on etiological factors, exposure time and age is presented. Specific cataracts were found in 38.37% of electric welders and in 11.4% of metal workers. The number of cataracts increased with exposure time and in elderly workers. We also observed six macular incidents when working with lasers. The results show the potential hazardous factors of the working environment and the corresponding eye impairments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Ophthalmology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zlateva
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Toncheva
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andreev
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002031:Bulgaria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011840:Radiation, Nonionizing / Q000009:adverse effects; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects