Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
10:14
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
4.4K
Diagnostic methods in ocular argyrosis: case report.
Monika Sarnat-Kucharczyk1, Dorota Pojda-Wilczek2, Ewa Mrukwa-Kominek2
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ceglana 35, 40-514, Katowice, Poland. monikasarnat@vp.pl.
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|July 10, 2016
Summary
Chronic silver salt exposure in a metal foundry worker led to ocular argyrosis. Advanced eye tests confirmed visual impairment and retinal dysfunction, highlighting the diagnostic value of corneal confocal microscopy and electrophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Chronic exposure to silver compounds can lead to systemic silver deposition, known as argyrosis or argyria.
- Ocular manifestations of silver deposition are termed ocular argyrosis.
- Metal foundry workers are at risk due to prolonged exposure to industrial silver salts.
Observation:
- A metal foundry worker with over 20 years of industrial silver salt exposure presented with decreased visual acuity.
- Comprehensive eye examination revealed corneal deposits and macular drusenoid changes.
- Electrophysiology tests indicated abnormal photoreceptor function and impaired inner retinal layers in the macular region.
Findings:
- Corneal confocal microscopy identified silver deposits.
- Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) abnormalities and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP) showed impaired macular function.
- While retinal pigment epithelium function remained normal, photoreceptor function was compromised centrally and peripherally.
Implications:
- Corneal confocal microscopy and electrophysiological testing are valuable tools for diagnosing ocular argyrosis.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring visual health in individuals with chronic occupational exposure to silver compounds.
- Early detection and diagnosis of ocular argyrosis can aid in managing potential vision loss.
