Welder’s maculopathy?

• Published in: International archives of occupational and environmental health Vol. 78; no. 8; pp. 681 - 685
• Main Authors: Maier, Richard, Heilig, Peter, Winker, Robert, Neudorfer, Barbara, Hoeranter, Robert, Ruediger, Hugo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.09.2005; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Electroretinography - drug effects; Eyes & eyesight; Humans; Macular Degeneration - chemically induced; Macular Degeneration - prevention & control; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Negligence; Occupational accidents; Occupational diseases; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational exposure; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational safety; Ophthalmology; Photosensitivity Disorders - chemically induced; Photosensitivity Disorders - prevention & control; Reference Values; Retinopathies; Risk Assessment; Safety regulations; Visual Acuity - drug effects; Welding; Electroretinography; Human; Welding; Electrophysiology; Retina; Maculopathy; Occupational exposure; Arc welding; Prevention; Visual system; Eye disease; Multifocal electroretinogram; Welding arc maculopathy; Occupational medicine
• ISSN: 0340-0131; 1432-1246
• DOI: 10.1007/s00420-005-0013-3

The aim of this study was to verify or to disprove whether the term 'Welder's maculopathy' or 'Welding arc maculopathy' has to be considered being a justifiable occupational hazard and is to be annexed to the list of occupational diseases. Multifocal electroretinography (MERG) and thorough ophthalmologic examinations were performed in a group of 89 welders. The matched control group comprised 81 subjects who had never been exposed to welding. All participants of this study were examined by a specialist of occupational medicine prior to the MERG. Multifocal electroretinography as well as ophthalmological tests did not reveal a significant morphological or functional differences between the welders and the control group. On an average, the welders' visual acuity appeared to be better than that of the control group. This phenomenon could be attributed to the so-called healthy worker effect. Welding arc maculopathy seems to be rather a sequel of occupational accidents and negligence of safety regulations. The results of this study indicate that the usual protective measures in professional welding appears to be sufficient in order to prevent an occupational risk of welding arc maculopathy.