Occupational disease
Occupational cataract
Apr
Occupational cataract (also known as dry cataract, hard cataract, or granular cataract) is a condition where the lens – the transparent lens of the eye – becomes cloudy, similar to a glass covered in dust or fog.
The lens is mainly composed of water and proteins, arranged in an orderly manner so that light can pass through and focus on the retina, allowing us to see objects clearly both near and far. However, various factors can cause the proteins in the lens to clump together, obstructing light from reaching the retina and resulting in reduced vision.
1. What is occupational cataract?
Occupational cataract occurs in workers exposed to ionizing radiation, artificial ultraviolet radiation, heat radiation, or microwaves in the workplace.
Typically, cataracts progress gradually over time, from the first signs to complete vision loss, which may take several years. Therefore, even though pathological cataracts are dangerous, there is still an opportunity to reverse the condition and prevent the disease in its early stages to preserve vision.
2. Occupations at risk of developing cataracts
Common occupations and exposure sources:
- Exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Steel rolling, laser use, welding, etc.
- Working at radar stations, radio/TV transmission stations, communication systems, high-voltage power lines, high-frequency wave furnaces, sterilization lamps, etc.
- Other occupations exposed to ionizing radiation, artificial ultraviolet radiation, heat radiation, or microwaves.
3. Mechanisms and causes of occupational cataract
When the eye is exposed to harmful factors, proteins in the lens clump together, forming cloudy patches that obscure vision, causing reduced eyesight and potentially leading to blindness.
Other causes of cataracts include age, congenital factors, secondary causes such as glaucoma, diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, or trauma.
People over 40 are at higher risk because the eye’s natural protection diminishes with age, making it more susceptible to harmful factors.
Explore the Occupational Cataract Risk Assessment Tool, which provides detailed evaluations of risk and preventive measures, helping workers and managers better understand and manage workplace hazards. With a multidimensional database and advanced algorithms, this tool is a reliable source of information for medical professionals and occupational safety managers, aiming to protect workers’ eye health and maintain a safe and sustainable work environment.
4. Symptoms of occupational cataract
Functional symptoms:
- Normal or reduced vision.
- Glare.
- Seeing floating black spots that move with eye movement.
- Double vision.
Physical signs: Cataracts vary depending on severity:
- Early stage may include:
- Small clouding in the lens cortex, forming ring-like or wedge-shaped patches, with the largest ring width <1/3 of the lens radius or total cortex opacity <1/4 of the lens circumference.
- Small clouding under the posterior capsule.
- Vision not affected.
- Stage two progresses from early stage with:
- Small clouding in the lens cortex forming rings or circular patches, covering 1/3 to <2/3 of the lens radius or 1/4 to 1/2 of the lens circumference.
- Embryonic or adult nucleus may be partially or fully opaque.
- Small opacities under the posterior capsule develop into disc-like opacities, interwoven with the cortex. May include anterior capsule spots.
- Vision normal or slightly reduced.
- Stage three may include:
- Opacity in the lens cortex ≥ 2/3 of lens radius or total cortex opacity > 1/2 circumference.
- Embryonic/adult nucleus opacities form flower or disc shapes.
- Posterior capsule disc opacities enlarge and thin toward the lens equator.
- Significant vision loss.
5. Complications of occupational cataract
- Glaucoma: A group of eye disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
- Uveitis.
6. Protective equipment to prevent occupational cataract
Workers should wear appropriate protective eyewear to shield their eyes from harmful environmental factors. Safety glasses should be specifically designed according to the hazards present in the workplace.
7. Compensation for workers with occupational cataract
According to Vietnamese Social Insurance Law, workers with occupational cataract may receive compensation as follows:
- Workers with occupational cataract are entitled to compensation for health damage according to the law, based on the severity of health loss and work capacity.
- They receive medical care and treatment to reduce symptoms.
- If they cannot continue in their current job, they should be supported to retrain for another profession.
- Workers are also entitled to benefits such as health insurance, social insurance, dependent allowances, and paid leave.
Proper documentation is required to prove the occupational cataract and treatment history.
8. Treatment of cataracts
The key is preserving the natural lens, preventing progression, and reducing the need for artificial lens surgery.
- Medications and supportive products: Pharmaceutical drugs rarely reverse cataracts. Mild cases or patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc., may use supplements such as pure DHA Omega-3, Ginkgo Biloba, Fursultiamine, and Blueberry extracts.
- Artificial lens surgery: Applied for severe cataracts with visual acuity of 1–2/10.
Patients should follow doctors’ instructions at medical centers.
9. Prevention of occupational cataract
Ophthalmology experts recommend:
- Use protective eyewear when working in environments with ionizing or non-ionizing radiation exposure.
- Eat foods rich in vitamins C, E, A, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin (green vegetables, fruits, cereals, eggs, dairy, fish) and limit salt, sugar, and fatty foods.
- Regular eye examinations every 6 months.
10. Employer responsibilities in preventing occupational cataract
Employers must protect employees’ eye health, including:
- Providing information on workplace hazards and their health impacts.
- Implementing safety measures, providing protective gear, and improving the work environment.
- Training employees on risks, preventive measures, and safe equipment use.
- Conducting periodic health checks to detect early cataracts.
- Supporting employees financially and medically if cataracts occur.
- Carrying out workplace environmental monitoring and reporting results regularly.
11. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace quality across Vietnam. Experienced monitoring specialists use modern equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues with a customer-centric approach.
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- With experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit enterprises.
- Clients of Nam Viet receive professional service from monitoring experts and cost-effective solutions.
12. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Price List
Nam Viet provides a detailed, affordable price list for professional workplace monitoring services.
- The price list includes costs for travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can trust the accuracy and reliability of results.
- We ensure competitive and reasonable pricing and are ready to answer any queries professionally.
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