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Does too much urology damage your eyesight? Study of macular function
P M Phillips1, F M Dean, J Reffin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Free Hospital, London.
British Journal of Urology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Urological surgeons using endoscopes showed no significant macular function decline. A study found their vision, specifically color contrast sensitivity, remained unaffected by occupational light exposure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Occupational Health
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Endoscopic procedures involve prolonged light exposure to one eye.
- Potential risks include macular function deterioration in the endoscoping eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if occupational light exposure from endoscopes affects macular function in urological surgeons.
- To compare macular function between the endoscoping and non-endoscoping eyes.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 130 urological surgeons.
- Macular function assessed using a computer-based color contrast sensitivity test (red/green and blue/yellow axes).
- Data collected via questionnaires on work patterns and ophthalmic history, supplemented by fundus examination.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in macular function was observed between the endoscoping and non-endoscoping eyes.
- Color contrast sensitivity thresholds remained comparable in both eyes.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not suggest significant macular damage in urological surgeons due to endoscope use.
- Occupational visual demands of endoscopy appear not to impair macular function.
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