Evaluation of possible microwave-induced lens changes in the United States Air Force

An Air Force examination team performed ophthalmologic examinations on 817 subjects in a double blind fashion. The subjects included 477 workers in the microwave radiation field and 340 control subjects with no known history of occupational exposure to microwave radiation. The intent of the study was to determine if a significant difference existed between the two groups for the presence of three lenticular findings equated with early cataract formation. No significant difference was found. Thus, this study does not support the contention that microwave exposure in the military environment is causing human cataracts at levels permitted by U.S. Safety Standards.