Occupational exposure to optical radiation and the ocular health status of glassblowers

The occupational radiation exposure levels and the ocular health status of a sample of glassblowers in southern Ontario were evaluated. The form of ocular protection was also assessed. Measurements of radiant emissions from different molten glass materials were carried out. A total of six glassblowing installations, 15 glassblowers and 42 non-glassblowers participated in the study. The spectral transmittances of samples of the protective lenses were obtained. Tonometry, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, pachometry, Schirmer tear test, endothelial photography were completed on all the volunteering subjects. The glassblowers' ocular findings were compared to those of non-glassblowers. No indication of cataract was observed among this group of glassblowers. Although, a preponderance of grade 2 polymegethism among the glassblowers (47% compared to 11% in non-glassblowers) was found, there was no significant difference in their ocular health. Variation in the corneal irradiance from occupational exposure was obtained, and in addition, the use of protective lenses was found to be inappropriate. In order to prevent against any long-term chronic pathologic effect, the use of appropriate ocular protection is advised.