Effects of Non–Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation on the Eye Lens

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the effects of non–ionizing electromagnetic radiation on bovine eye lenses in culture. Methods: Bovine lenses were incubated in a long–term organ culture system for 15 days. A computer–controlled electromagnetic bench was built enabling exposure of intact cultured lenses to microwave radiation for extended periods of time while maintaining constant environmental temperature. 52 lenses were used in the study. 32 lenses were exposed to radiation of 1.1GHz, 2.22mW for 192 cycles of 50 minutes irradiation followed by 10 minutes pause. 20 lenses served as controls. Every 24 hours the lenses were tested optically with the Scan–Tox system. At the end of the culture period lenses were taken for enzyme analysis and morphological analysis by inverted microscopy. Results: Exposure to 2.22mW at 1.1GHz exceeding 36 hours affects the optical function of the lens. Self–recovery is demonstrated if the exposure is interrupted. Microscopic examination of the lens indicates occurrence of bubbles at the sutures. This interaction mechanism is different from the mechanism causing damage via temperature increase. At the end of the experiments the indicators of radiation damage remain at the lens sutures accompanied by reduced activities of lens epithelial enzymes. Conclusions: Microwave radiation has a clear impact on the eye lens. There are short–term and long–term mechanisms by which electromagnetic radiation affects the eye lens. (1) Exposure above specific energy levels affects the optical transmission function of the lens, indicating some damage to lens proteins. This damage disappears once the irradiation is terminated. (2) The radiation causes effects along the lens sutures, which are completely different from the effects resulting via temperature increase. (3) The radiation causes changes in activities of lens epithelial enzymes.

Keywords: cataract • radiation damage: light/UV