Work

Occupational Radiation Effects on Ocular Structures and Visual Function: A Comprehensive Review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Occupational radiation exposure can affect ocular health across medical, nuclear, aviation, outdoor, welding, and other specialized workplace settings. This narrative review is primarily focused on occupational ocular radiation injury and occupational eye protection. It prioritizes human occupational evidence on ionizing radiation and occupationally relevant non-ionizing optical hazards, particularly solar ultraviolet exposure, welding, and lasers, while using experimental or non-occupational evidence only when needed to clarify mechanisms or areas of uncertainty. Evidence is strongest for an association between occupational ionizing radiation and crystalline lens opacity or cataract, whereas evidence for routine occupational effects on the retina, optic nerve, or macula is substantially weaker. Prevention and surveillance are considered using exposure-specific protection frameworks rather than a single radiation model. Psychosocial, quality of life, and economic consequences are treated as secondary downstream implications of visual impairment rather than as evidence of radiation causality.

Source: Vision

DOI: 10.3390/vision10050089

Authors: Amir Ashraf Jalaludin, Ahmad Naqiuddin Azahari, Baqiatu’l Sabiqi ‘Assfi Rahmat, Baljit Kaur Hardial Singh, Marliana Mahmud

Institution: Management and Science University

Language: English

Topic: Ocular and Laser Science Research

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930