Effect of work-related ultraviolet exposure and ophthalmic changes in Austrian farmers: the SVB-UV study.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological screening to examine possible ultraviolet-induced ocular changes and pathologies in Austrian farmers.


METHODS
The study was performed on behalf of the Austrian farmer insurance (Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Bauern). Randomly selected farmers and office workers as controls, both at the age of 35-55 years, underwent ophthalmic screening examinations. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examinations by slit lamp examination and Schirmer's test 1. A survey, regarding personal habits in the sun, was also conducted.


RESULTS
Three hundred and ninety-two subjects underwent ophthalmic examinations of whom 297 were farmers and 95 were controls. Due to the survey, 89.7% of the farmers claimed to protect themselves from the sun during work. From these subjects, 83.7% wear a head protection, 71.0% wear sunglasses, and 54.4% usually work in the shade. There were significant differences in lid (p = 0.021) and conjunctival pathologies (p < 0.0001) between farmers and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Austrian farmers are at a higher risk for developing lid and conjunctival tumours which require treatment at some point. We believe that the study group was too young to show significant differences within the lens and the posterior pole. A 5-year follow-up is planned.
Schmid-Kubista
Katharina E
KE
Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery, Rudolf Foundation Clinic, Vienna, Austria. katharina.schmid-kubista@wienkav.at
Kellner
Lukas
L
Maier
Harald
H
Felke
Stefan
S
Wanka
Alexandra
A
El Modeir
Adel
A
Schmidt
Jolanta B
JB
Cabaj
Alexander
A
Schmalwieser
Alois
A
Rohn
Herbert
H
Stadelmann
Heinrich
H
Spiess
Johannes
J
Fischer
Wolfgang
W
Hönigsmann
Herbert
H
Binder
Susanne
S
D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005123:Eye / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*