Localized effects of microwave radiation on the intact eye lens in culture conditions

Abstract

A novel experimental system was used to investigate the localized effects of microwave radiation on bovine eye lenses in culture for over 2 weeks. Using this setup, we found clear evidence that this radiation has a significant impact on the eye lens. At the macroscopic level, it is demonstrated that exposure to a few mW at 1 GHz for over 36 h affects the optical function of the lens. Most importantly, self-recovery occurs if the exposure is interrupted. At the microscopic level, close examination of the lens indicates that the interaction mechanism is completely different from the mechanism-causing cataract via temperature increase. Contrary to the latter's effect, that is particularly pronounced in the vicinity of the sutures and it is assumed to be a result of local friction between the edges of the fibers consisting the lens. Even if macroscopically the lens has recovered from the irradiation, microscopically the indicators of radiation impact remain.

Evaluation of Microwave Microdosimetry for Human Eyes With Glasses Exposed to Wireless Eyewear Devices at Phone Call State

“…For instance, World Health Organization [17] has taken the low-level energy absorption as one of the primary research topics of possible adverse health effects of electromagnetic fields. Dovrat et al [18] also believe that the energy absorbed in the tissue should be paid more attention in determining the safety standards because SAR lower than the safety standard limit may also lead to the similar effect caused be the SAR higher than the safety standard.…”

“…We will mainly focus on the eyes due to its sensitivity to electromagnetic fields [18][19][20][21][22]. This is because eyes are close to the antenna and directly exposed to the microwave without the protection of skin and fat.…”

“…Furthermore, eyes have less blood flow which could not take the heat induced by microwave timely [20]. Thirdly, ocular tissues except the cornea do not have self-renewal ability, which could never grow back once hurt by the microwave [18,21,22]. A three-dimensional anatomicallybased human head CAD model and a pair of metallic frame glasses will be established based on the Finite Different Time Domain (FDTD) method.…”

Effect of Ultrahigh Frequency Radiation Emitted from 2G Cell Phone on Developing Lens of Chick Embryo: A Histological Study

“…Dovrat et al [5] reported impaired optical function of the bovine lens due to damage of lens fibers after RF exposure. RF radiation on rabbit lens showed various biochemical changes in the form of altered protein expression on cell membranes of lens epithelial cells, which declined cell proliferation, and lens epithelial cells damage and opacity [6][7][8].…”

“…Studies on animal models have shown that RFR exposure caused deformation of heat labile enzyme glutathione peroxidase that protects lens cell proteins and membrane lipids from oxidative damage [11]. The structural damages are in the form of granular degeneration of the lens cell epithelium at the equator, appearance of large spherical or ovoid "balloon cells, " smaller cells with condensed nuclei, and damaged cytoplasm with pyknosis [4,5,12].…”