Microwave lens effects in humans. II. Results of five-year survey

B. Appleton, S. Hirsch, R. O. Kinion, M. Soles, G. C. McCrossan and R. M. Neidlinger

Individuals selected on the basis of likelihood of occupational exposure to microwaves were subjected to a biomicroscopic examination of the lens. Control personnel were also examined along with them, the examiners having no knowledge of the exposure history of any examinee prior to or during the examination. Objective evidence of lens abnormality (opacities, vacuoles, or posterior subcapsular iridescence) was recorded and a comparison made between the two groups on the basis of that evidence. The comparison showed the two groups to be essentially the same and did not support the hypothesis that human lens damage is occurring in the military environment in this country. Instead, it tended to support the assumption that the existing safety level of 10 MW/sq cm is adequate.