Cataract as an Occupational Pathology of the Organ of Vision. Clinical Cases

Currently, occupational pathology is a serious medical and social problem. One of the nosological forms of occupational pathology is cataract — an eye disease characterized by a gradual loss of transparency of the lens. The purpose of the study was to describe clinical cases of cataracts as an occupational disease among workers of foundries in the Voronezh region, to carry out hygienic characteristics and analysis of their working conditions, to develop proposals for minimizing the degree of exposure to harmful production factors on the organ of vision. The material of the study were state reports on the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population, statistical forms on the registration of occupational diseases, materials on sanitary and hygienic characteristics of workplaces. Occupational risk assessment and working conditions criteria were determined according to hygienic classification in accordance with R 2.2.2006-05. Results. Cases of cataracts diagnosed as a result of exposure to thermal radiation are described in 2 men aged 77 and 46 years. A standard clinical examination was performed. The work of foundries is exposed to a complex of unfavorable production factors, the leading of which is physical: increased air temperature, increased parameters of infrared (thermal radiation). The foundry worker’s working conditions are classified as hazardous class 3.3 according to the hygienic classification. The imperfection of the technological process, low mechanization and automation of the labor process, as well as non-compliance by workers with safety measures are the main reasons for the occurrence of occupational cataracts. In order to prevent occupational diseases of the organ of vision, it is necessary to improve the organization of work, personal protective equipment, as well as conduct sanitary and educational work with employees of enterprises on issues of maintaining health.

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