Ophthalmic Hazards of Microwave and Laser Environments

Effects of Exposure to Microwaves: Problems and Perspectives

“…The few available reports (39)(40)(41)(42)(43) contain findings that are questioned by competent ophthalmologists (108). Zaret (42,43) While some of the epidemiological surveys may indicate a statistically significant increase in lenticular defects in microwave workers, none has shown any clinically significant defects in terms of decreased visual acuity. The scoring methods used for both degree of exposure and lenticular defects in all cases were not particularly sound, and their validity has been questioned (27).…”

“…In a study by Appleton and McCrossen (120), 226 individuals occupationally associated with microwaves to varying degrees, some of whom had been included in the series reported by Zaret (43), were subjected to ophthalmological examination and compared to a population not associated to as 'great an extent with microwaves. The authors note that the equipment to which these people were exposed included sources that were rather powerful microwave emitters, and the potential for personnel exposure could have been'at the highest level encountered.…”

Effects of Exposure to Microwaves: Problems and Perspectives

“…The few available reports (39-43) contain findings that are questioned by competent ophthalmologists (108). Zaret (42,43) has stated that from all the reports of others and his own studies, he accepts five reported cases of microwave cataracts as having occurred prior to 1968. In 1968 he presented 26 new ones, of which only one had progressed to a clinical cataract with loss of vision.…”

“…Microwaves have been shown to produce lens opacity in some experimental animals, notably rabbits (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36). Microwave-induced cataracts have also been reported in man (37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43).…”

Environmental assessment for the satellite power system-concept development and evaluation program-microwave health and ecological effects

“…Some cases of ocular damage in humans ascribed to occupational exposure to RFR were reported during the 25 years following the end of World War 11 (Zaret, 1969;Shimkovich and Shilyaev, 1959;Hirsh and Parker, 1952). Although the exposure histories of these individuals could not be ascertained with any degree of certitude, it is likely that their actual or incipient vision impairment was due to exposure to average power densities well above the threshold.…”