Damage to the cornea of the eye when exposed to high-intensity electromagnetic radiation of the radio frequency range

Abstract

An experimental assessment of the clinical manifestations of corneal injuries of the rabbit-eyed eyes closed under the influence of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the microwave range was carried out. Similar studies have been conducted when exposed to high-intensity EMR ultrahigh frequency (UHF) on the open eye of a rabbit. Dose- and frequency-dependent changes in the cornea of the rabbit eye exposed to EMR frequencies of 3.97 GHz and 1.27 GHz with an average energy flux density (EFD) of 1 W/cm² were revealed. It has been established that a high-intensity direct short-term exposure to a microwave EMF can lead to damage to even a closed eye. Radiation of the UHF range, which is close in intensity and exposure, in addition to direct damage to the cornea of the open eye, causes slight damage to the external structures of the open paired eye, which is not directly affected. The aforementioned necessitates the development of means and methods of individual protection of the organ of vision of personnel for protection against short-term exposure to powerful electromagnetic radiation of the radio frequency range.