Retinitis photoelectrica durch Elektroschweißen

Abstract

The authors report on a student who developed bilateral photoretinitis as a result of failing to use a welding shield properly while arc-welding. The case is unusual in that no symptoms of photophthalmia occurred at any time. The course of the accident is described and the special features of the case are discussed.

Maculopathy caused by welding arcs

“…A protective visor was used, but this was only tinted on the lower half, permitting IRA radiation through the upper half. Probably, the patient was exposed to only a small amount of UV radiation as radiation with wavelengths less than 300 n m is al-404 most fully absorbed by most glasses (Garcia 1989); in accordance, no keratoconjunctivitis was found. She had to drop her further mechanical engineering studies due to poor vision, especially when reading.…”

“…W, IR-B and IR-C radiation is absorbed by the cornea and lens, whereas visible light and IR-A radiation penetrate to the retina (Fig. 2) (Naidoff 1974;Sliney 1983;Brittain 1988;Garcia 1989;. Radiation in the W, IR-B and IR-C range gives rise to photoelectric keratoconjunctivitis or 'arc-eye', a painful condition but not a threat to vision (Norn 1992).…”