Morphological and functional characteristics of an eye in vibration disease patients

Aim: To analyze ocular fundus photos and visual field test findings in vibration disease patients depending on highfrequency
exposition.

Methods: 62 vibration disease patients aged 40‑65 (55.69±0.7 years on average) were examined. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on vibration exposition: group 1 (local exposition) included 30 patients (49.2 %), group 2 (combined exposition) included 32 patients (50.8 %). Healthy persons not exposed to vibration were controls. Non-mydriatic ophthalmoscopy was performed using fundus camera Topcon TRC-NW300. Threshold visual field test which covers central 30 degrees of field was performed as well.

Results: In vibration disease patients, enlarged optic nerve excavation, violation of the ISNT rule, peripapillary atrophy, optic disc hemorrhages, and blurred disc margins were detected. Enlarged optic nerve head was observed in combined vibration exposition group while medium-sized optic nerve head was observed in local exposition group. Retinal dystrophy and hemorrhages were found
in the central area regardless of vibration exposition. The analysis of visual field test indices demonstrated that MD was significantly lower while PSD, SF, and GPSD were significantly higher in vibration disease patients as compared with controls. However, no significant difference was revealed between local and combined vibration exposition. Visual field test exam showed foveal light sensitivity reduction by 1‑22 dB. In combined vibration exposition group, decrease in retinal sensitivity within the central 5 degrees was greater than in local vibration exposition group.

Conclusion: Vibration disease patients with over 20 year-experience have signs of optic nerve damage (neuropathy). Chronic exposition to vibration provokes optic nerve atrophy and central retinal degeneration.

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