Cataracts, a condition where the eye's lens loses its transparency, leading to impaired vision and even blindness, typically affects older adults. However, younger individuals exposed to certain risk factors, including specific occupations and work environments, can also develop the condition.

Doctor Phung Van Thanh from the High-Tech Eye Center at Tam Anh General Hospital explains that high-intensity UV exposure accelerates cataract development. UV rays damage the natural protein structure within the lens, scattering light and creating cloudy areas, thus increasing the risk for individuals regularly exposed to UV rays and intense light sources.

Frequent outdoor work

Occupations like farming, construction, and engineering necessitate prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dr. Thanh points out that Vietnam's tropical climate results in high UV radiation levels. UV intensity also increases with altitude and fluctuates throughout the day, peaking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Driving

According to Dr. Thanh, UV rays can penetrate car windows, affecting drivers' eyes even inside their vehicles. Drivers also encounter intense light sources like direct sunlight, glare, and oncoming headlights at night, all of which can hasten cataract development.

Healthcare workers

A University of Belgrade (Republic of Serbia) study of 115 healthcare workers, 100 regularly exposed to ionizing radiation and 15 working outside radiation zones, revealed a higher cataract incidence among those exposed to ionizing radiation. X-ray technicians faced the highest risk, followed by radiologists and pulmonologists.

Dr. Thanh adds that operating room staff, focused under intense surgical lights for extended periods, experience eye strain, increasing their risk of eye conditions, including cataracts.

A surgeon operates under bright lights in an operating room. Photo: *Tam Anh Hospital*

Frequent electronic device use

The eye's inability to block blue light wavelengths makes it vulnerable to damage from this type of light emitted by electronic devices. Blue light contributes to computer vision syndrome (eye pain, fatigue, dryness, and focusing difficulties), refractive errors, and an increased risk of cataracts. Individuals frequently using electronic devices, such as designers, video editors, programmers, and office workers, consequently face a higher risk of eye diseases.

Occupations with eye injury risks

Cataracts can develop after eye injuries. Welders and mechanics face increased risk due to the intense light from flames or welding arcs, which can damage the eye and affect the lens.

To mitigate occupation-related cataract risks, Dr. Thanh recommends annual eye exams for those in high-risk environments. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing disease progression. For individuals working extensively with electronic devices, he suggests the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 6 m (20 feet) away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain. Wearing sunglasses and blue light-blocking glasses limits UV and blue light exposure. Those in environments with high eye injury risks should adhere to workplace safety regulations.

Khue Lam