Does microwave ovens have a catractogenic effect? an experimental study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the cataractogenic effect of microwave ovens on rabbits biomicroscopically and histologically. Sixteen rabbits were classified into four groups in separate cages, each contained four rabbits; one group served as a control, while the other three groups were placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven at 30 and 60 cm. They were exposed to the microwave oven for 30 minutes daily for one month. Radiation leakage was measured. The mean radiation leakage was within the safety limits. Slit lamp biomicroscopy showed no pathologic lens changes. The histopathologic examination revealed that rabbits of the control group showed no pathologic lens changes, while rabbits of the second group showed cellular areas of the lens epithelium with pleomorphism, pyknosis and areas of multilayered epithelium. Lens fibers showed vacuolization. Microwave oven radiation was cataractogenic. This cataractogenic effect increased by long and near exposure to microwave ovens