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[Risk of senile cataract among nuclear industry workers]
E V Bragin1, T V Azizova1, M V Bannikova1
1Southern Urals Biophysics Institute, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, 19 Ozyorskoe shosse, Ozyorsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russian Federation, 456780.
Vestnik Oftalmologii
|May 20, 2017
Summary
Occupational gamma-ray exposure increases the risk of senile cataract in nuclear workers. This risk is linked to cumulative radiation dose and other health factors like glaucoma and myopia.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Radiation biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Senile cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment.
- Understanding occupational risk factors is crucial for worker health.
- Previous studies have suggested links between radiation exposure and cataract, but long-term cohort data is valuable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relative risk (RR) of senile cataract in a cohort of nuclear workers with long-term occupational exposure to external gamma-rays.
- To identify radiation and non-radiation factors influencing cataract incidence in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 22,377 nuclear workers employed between 1948-1982 was followed until 2008.
- Analysis of cataract incidence using EPICURE software, correlating with cumulative gamma-ray doses and other health factors.
- Mean cumulative gamma-ray doses were 0.54 Sv for males and 0.44 Sv for females.
Main Results:
- The relative risk of senile cataract increased with attained age and cumulative external gamma-ray dose.
- Workers exposed to doses above 2.00 Sv exhibited the highest risk.
- Increased RR was observed in workers with glaucoma and high myopia, but not associated with sex, age at employment, smoking, alcohol, or diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Senile cataract incidence in nuclear workers is influenced by both occupational radiation exposure and non-radiation factors.
- Cumulative gamma-ray dose is a significant risk factor for senile cataract development.
- Co-existing conditions like glaucoma and myopia may also increase cataract risk in this population.
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