Effect of Occupational Vibration on Human Retina Measured by Electroretinography

To study the possible effects of occupation vibration on human retina using electroretinogram.

Fifty workers from a segment of a textile factory with machinery creating high levels of vibration were selected. The workers had at least 6 years history of working in the factory segment where high vibrating machines were operating. The amplitude and latency of electroretinogram b-wave peak and amplitude was compared between these selected workers and 50 age and sex matched controls from other sections of the factory.

The mean age was 27.5 + 1.741 years and 27.28 + 1.641 years in the case and control groups respectively. There was statistically significant lower mean amplitude of electroretinogram b-wave peak in the case group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Also higher mean latency of the electroretinogram b-wave in the case group compared to the control group was observed (P < 0.001)

Occupational vibration might have adverse effects on visual system, mainly retina, causing a decrease in amplitude and increase in latency of electroretinogram b-wave peak measured using electroretinography. Keywords: Vibration; Retina; Electroretinography; Occupational Injuries