Evaluation of the Relationship between Color Vision and Blood Lead Concentration at Koushk Lead and Zinc Mine Employees in Bafgh City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Optometry, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Epidemiologic Research Center of Eye Diseases, Noor Ophthalmology Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose:
This study was performed to determine the color vision and blood lead concentration in Koushk lead and zinc mine employees.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was carried out at Koushk lead and zinc mine in Bafgh city. All participants were male. They were divided into two groups: The exposed groups (114 patients) and the non-exposed groups (76 patients). According to the exclusion criteria, 190 subjects recruited for the study with complete satisfaction. A preliminary optometric examination and evolution of color vision were performed for all subjects. Color vision was determined using the D15-Fransworth test. The concentration of blood lead was recorded based on the blood test sheet.
Results:
Percentage frequency of the color vision defect was 2.72% in the control group and 11.55% in the case group. The difference between the average of color confusion index between the two groups both in the right eye (case: 1.169 ± 0.283, control: 1.07 ± 0.17) and the left eye (case: 1.168 ± 0.282, control: 1.06±0.14) was statistically significant (right eye p=0.011, left eye p=0.002). Mean blood lead in case and control groups were 10.07 ± 15.81 and 6.46 ± 9.03, respectively. This difference was statistically significant between two groups (P = 0.047).
Conclusion:
The difference between groups in the color vision defect indicates that long-term exposure to minerals in the lead and zinc mine may cause color vision defect and could be a potential cause of this disorder.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation
Volume 7, Issue 3
September 2018
Pages 54-60

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