Infrared radiation and cataract. I. Epidemiologic investigation of iron- and steel-workers.

The aim of the presented study was to establish if occupational exposure to infrared (IR) radiation increases the risk of developing cataract, and to correlate the lens findings to the degree of exposure. The eyes of 208 IR-exposed workers and 208 controls, all from 6 Swedish iron and steel manufacturing plants, were examined. An increased prevalence of wedge-shaped opacities was found in IR-exposed persons 60 years of age and older. This type of lens opacity is normally considered to be a purely senile change. Acceleration of senile changes by IR radiation is suggested. Stratification of the material with regard to exposure was made on different grounds, but failed to show a dose-effect-correlation.