On macular dystrophies in participants of liquidation of consequences of Chernobyl APP accident

Title: On macular dystrophies in participants of liquidation of consequences of Chernobyl APP accident

Author: E.G. Miheeva, N.A. Shalkova, A.S. Simonova

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Keywords:

Abstract: Purpose: To study clinic of macular dystrophies (MD) in participants of liquidation of consequences of Chernobyl APP accident (PLCAPP) , time of onset of the disease, dynamics of visual functions after drug treatment.
Materials and methods: We observed 47 PLCAPP (42 males and 5 females).
Most of them were working on Chernolbyl APP in 1986 (17 patients) and in 1985 (17 patients), the rest – in 1988 (8 patients) and 1989 (5 patients). The duration of staying in radioactive zone was 1–2 months –in 25 people, 3–4 months – in 16 people, 5–6 months – in 6 people. Examination included: visometry, biomicroscopy, perimetry, tonometry and direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy with mydriasis.
Results: Central chorioretinal dystrophy was observed in 4, 8% of patients. MD used to appear in 10, 5 years in average after staying in Chernobyl. Visual acuity was decreasing gradually and averaged 0, 37 by the end of observation (2002–2004). The more doze of radiation was got by patient, the earlier MD appeared and more visual acuity decreased.
Conclusion: It’s supposed that changes in macula could possibly happen under the radiation influence on the whole body. It leads to atherosclerosis, “radiation aging” of immune system, vascular changes and premature aging of CNS.

URL: http://www.rmj.ru/articles_5242.htm