Visual abnormalities associated with high-energy microwave exposure.
Lim JI, Fine SL, Kues HA, Johnson MA. · 1993
View Original AbstractHigh-energy microwave exposure caused permanent eye damage and vision problems that lasted at least two years after a single accident.
Plain English Summary
Researchers documented severe eye damage in a 44-year-old man who was accidentally exposed to high-energy microwave radiation. The exposure caused lasting vision problems including abnormal color perception, reduced retinal function, and visual blurring that persisted for at least two years. This case demonstrates that microwave radiation can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures of the human eye.
Why This Matters
This case report provides compelling evidence that microwave radiation can cause serious, lasting damage to human vision. While the study doesn't specify exact exposure levels, the fact that a single accidental exposure led to permanent retinal dysfunction should concern anyone regularly using microwave-emitting devices. The eye is particularly vulnerable to microwave radiation because it lacks the blood circulation needed to dissipate heat effectively. What makes this case especially significant is that the vision problems persisted for years after the initial exposure, suggesting the damage was permanent rather than temporary. While most consumer devices operate at much lower power levels than the industrial source in this case, the cumulative effects of chronic low-level exposure remain largely unstudied.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
The aim of this study is to investigate Visual abnormalities associated with high-energy microwave exposure.
A 44-year-old man was accidentally exposed to high-energy microwave irradiation
After resolution of facial erythema and iritis, he noted a foreign body sensation and blurring of vi...
Show BibTeX
@article{ji_1993_visual_abnormalities_associated_with_2363,
author = {Lim JI and Fine SL and Kues HA and Johnson MA.},
title = {Visual abnormalities associated with high-energy microwave exposure.},
year = {1993},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8235105/},
}