Jing-Yan Yang1, Wen-Jia Zhou1, Qian Wang1, Yang Li1, Yan-Ni Yan1, Ya-Xing Wang2, Shou-Ling Wu3, Wen-Bin Wei1. 1. Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China. 2. Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University; Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China. 3. Cardiology Department, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei Province, China.
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal vascular caliber alterations in coal mine workers. METHODS: The community-based observational cross-sectional study included 4004 participants of a sub-population of the Kailuan Study. All the study participants underwent structured interviews with a standardized questionnaire, fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations performed by trained doctors. RESULTS: The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly higher (P=0.006) and the central macular thickness was lower in coal miners (n=659, 51.0±7.8y) as compared to the control (working above the ground; n=477, 51.8±7.5y; P=0.032). Additionally, the downhole workers showed a significantly thicker retinal artery (P=0.012) and vein diameters (P<0.001). In multivariable regression, a thicker retinal nerve fiber layer was associated with a higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.005) after adjusting for younger age and larger spherical equivalent. In a reverse pattern, a higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.004) was significantly associated with a thicker retinal nerve fiber layer after adjusting for age, high-density lipoproteins and uric acid. Wider retinal vein diameters were associated with higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.036) after adjusting for younger age and larger spherical equivalent. CONCLUSION: The retinal vessels diameters and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness are significantly thicker in long term of coal mining. The results of our study indicate that underground working environment may lead to retinal vessel dilation and inflammation. Thus, ocular examination might be needed within coal miners in order to monitor the occupational eye health as well as the incidence and progression of eye diseases. International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.
AIM: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal vascular caliber alterations in coal mine workers. METHODS: The community-based observational cross-sectional study included 4004 participants of a sub-population of the Kailuan Study. All the study participants underwent structured interviews with a standardized questionnaire, fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations performed by trained doctors. RESULTS: The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly higher (P=0.006) and the central macular thickness was lower in coal miners (n=659, 51.0±7.8y) as compared to the control (working above the ground; n=477, 51.8±7.5y; P=0.032). Additionally, the downhole workers showed a significantly thicker retinal artery (P=0.012) and vein diameters (P<0.001). In multivariable regression, a thicker retinal nerve fiber layer was associated with a higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.005) after adjusting for younger age and larger spherical equivalent. In a reverse pattern, a higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.004) was significantly associated with a thicker retinal nerve fiber layer after adjusting for age, high-density lipoproteins and uric acid. Wider retinal vein diameters were associated with higher cumulative silica dust exposure (P=0.036) after adjusting for younger age and larger spherical equivalent. CONCLUSION: The retinal vessels diameters and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness are significantly thicker in long term of coal mining. The results of our study indicate that underground working environment may lead to retinal vessel dilation and inflammation. Thus, ocular examination might be needed within coal miners in order to monitor the occupational eye health as well as the incidence and progression of eye diseases. International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.
Authors: Axel Petzold; Laura J Balcer; Peter A Calabresi; Fiona Costello; Teresa C Frohman; Elliot M Frohman; Elena H Martinez-Lapiscina; Ari J Green; Randy Kardon; Olivier Outteryck; Friedemann Paul; Sven Schippling; Patrik Vermersch; Pablo Villoslada; Lisanne J Balk Journal: Lancet Neurol Date: 2017-09-12 Impact factor: 44.182
Authors: A Nemmar; P H M Hoet; B Vanquickenborne; D Dinsdale; M Thomeer; M F Hoylaerts; H Vanbilloen; L Mortelmans; B Nemery Journal: Circulation Date: 2002-01-29 Impact factor: 29.690