8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / General

CATARACTS FOLLOWING USE OF CATHODE RAY TUBE DISPLAYS

Bioeffects Seen

Milton M. ZARET, M.D. · 1980

Share:

CRT computer displays caused cumulative eye damage resembling radiation cataracts, but early-stage damage could be stopped by eliminating exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1980 study documented cataracts in people who used cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, finding the eye damage resembled patterns from radiofrequency radiation exposure. The research showed cataracts developed over time with cumulative exposure, but could be stopped if caught early and exposure was eliminated.

Why This Matters

This early research identified a critical health pattern that many dismissed at the time. Computer monitors using cathode ray tubes emitted both radiofrequency radiation and X-rays, creating a perfect laboratory for studying cumulative EMF effects on human eyes. What makes this study particularly significant is its documentation of both delayed onset and dose-dependent effects - hallmarks of radiation injury that we now see replicated across EMF research. The finding that early-stage cataracts could be arrested by eliminating exposure provides crucial evidence that EMF-induced biological damage isn't always permanent. Today's LED screens emit far less radiation than CRT displays, but we're surrounded by exponentially more radiofrequency sources through wireless devices, creating new cumulative exposure scenarios that deserve the same careful attention Zaret gave to computer workers four decades ago.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Milton M. ZARET, M.D. (1980). CATARACTS FOLLOWING USE OF CATHODE RAY TUBE DISPLAYS.
Show BibTeX
@article{cataracts_following_use_of_cathode_ray_tube_displays_g6061,
  author = {Milton M. ZARET and M.D.},
  title = {CATARACTS FOLLOWING USE OF CATHODE RAY TUBE DISPLAYS},
  year = {1980},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this 1980 study documented cataracts in CRT display users that resembled radiofrequency radiation injury patterns. The eye damage developed cumulatively over time with continued exposure to the monitors.
The study found a time-related delay before lens pathology appeared, indicating cataracts don't develop immediately but accumulate over extended periods of CRT display use and exposure.
Not necessarily. The research showed early-stage cataracts could be arrested in 'forme fruste' (incomplete form) if discovered early and the person stopped using CRT displays.
No, cathode ray tube monitors emitted both radiofrequency radiation and X-rays at much higher levels than today's LED or LCD screens, which produce minimal radiation.
The cataracts exhibited characteristics resembling nonionizing radiation injury, specifically patterns consistent with radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure rather than ionizing radiation like X-rays.