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NR 4-6/2008
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Wpływ przewlekłego
działania metali ciężkich na narząd wzroku
Influence of chronic
exposure to heavy metals on eyesight
Małgorzata Mulak1, Marta
Misiuk-Hojło1, Bartłomiej Markuszewski2,
Karolina Dembska1
1 Z Katedry i Kliniki Okulistyki Akademii Medycznej
we Wrocławiu
Kierownik: dr hab. n. med. Marta Misiuk-Hojło
2 Ze Studenckiego Koła Naukowego przy Katedrze i
Klinice Okulistyki Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu |
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| Summary: |
Purpose: The aim of
the study was to investigate relationship between
chronic occupational exposure to heavy metals and
eyesight, with particular lead influence.
Material and methods: The experimental group was
composed of 120 workers of Copper Steelwork Plant
“Legnica”, divided into 2 groups, based on the degree
and period of exposure to heavy metals. 75 men hired in
direct production with work residency of 7 to 34 years (mean
21.2) made the experimental Group A – the occupationally
exposed group. Group B with 45 white-collar men with
work residency of 4 to 39 years (mean 19.8) made the
environmentally exposed group. All workers underwent
complex ophthalmic examination with particular lens
investigation following pupil dilation, lead and cadmium
level in full blood determination and free erythrocyte
protoporphyrin (FEP) test, as indicator of human body
lead overload.
Results: Mean lead levels in both groups were
considerably higher than permissible concentration in
biological material (PCB) for occupationally exposed
workers, and was higher for those working directly in
production. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) level
was correct in both groups. Lenticular changes were
noticed in 26 (21.7%) patients, of whom 18 (69.2%) were
hired in direct production. Similarly, fundus changes
were shown in 17 patients, 16 (22%) from Group A;
changes in field of vision in 3 patients. Furthermore,
15 men working in direct production complained of
burning sensation, tearing and periodic redness in the
eyes.
Conclusions: Mean blood cadmium and lead levels,
higher in occupationally exposed workers was
statistically important only in case of lead. However,
the correct FEP level indicates that an organism was not
overload with lead. In these workers (group A)
lenticular changes were observed more often and were
more intense (cortex opacitates, posterior subcapsular
cataract). Fundus changes noticed in both groups were of
low degree and coexisting diseases may have promoted
their progression. Field of vision changes noticed in 3
workers may have been caused by lead toxicity to optic
nerve. Periodical conjuctival inflammatory states are
caused by irritative dust and smoke therefore protective
eye wear is indicated. |
| Słowa kluczowe: |
narząd wzroku, zmiany
soczewkowe, ołów, kadm. |
| Key words: |
eyesight, lenticular
changes, lead, cadmium. |
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