Ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure: A recent review

Abstract

Toxic effects on eyes result from exposure to pesticides via inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact and ocular exposure. Exposure of unprotected eyes to pesticides results in the absorption in ocular tissue and potential ocular toxicity. Recent literature on the risks of ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure is limited.Ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure, including the dose-response relationship, has been studied in different animal species. Cholinesterase enzymes have been detected in animal ocular tissue, with evidence of organophosphate-induced inhibition. Pathological effects of pesticides have been observed in conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina and the optic nerve. Pesticide exposure has been associated with retinopathy in agricultural workers and wives of farmers who used pesticides. Saku disease, an optico-autonomic peripheral neuropathy, has been described in Japan in people living in an area where organophosphates were used. Pesticide exposure is also associated with abnormal ocular movements.Progressive toxic ocular effects leading to defective vision are a serious health concern. Agricultural workers are at high risk of exposure to pesticides and associated ocular toxicity. Primary prevention is the appropriate method of protecting eyes from pesticide-related damage. This includes improved eye safety and care in workplaces, and effective pesticide regulation for maintenance of public eye health.

Self-reported Health Effects among Short and Long-term Pesticide Sprayers in Arusha, Northern Tanzania: A cross Sectional Study

“…A review by Jaga and Dharmani [56] documents that, exposure to pesticides as a function of doseresponse relationship is associated with various ocular disorders such as retinal degeneration, optic neuritis, myopia, astigmatism, narrowed visual field etc. Because the sprayers in the present study did not use eye protection, it is likely that the eyes were directly exposed to substantial concentrations of pesticides including OPs.…”

Effect of pesticides on color vision and anterior ocular structure of farmers

“…In the study by Center of Disease Control (CDC) on Hydrogen Cyanamide (plant growth regulator) exposure, 14 of 21 agricultural workers (67%) who did not use complete or no personal protective equipment especially protective eye goggles were found to have increased eye symptoms [13]. Although the prevalence of increased eye symptoms for CDC study was higher, but due to the small sample size of the present study, a relationship of eye signs and symptoms (bulbar conjunctival hyperemia) with protective eyewear could not be established.…”

An Overview of Pesticide Monitoring at Environmental Samples Using Carbon Nanotubes-Based Electrochemical Sensors

“…Additionally, these compounds are widely distributed in the environment and have been detected in water, soil, sewage sludge, sediment, and the aquatic biota [49][50][51][52][53][54]. In human beings, they may increase the risk of psychiatric [55] and endocrine-disrupting disorders [56] and promote renal, neurological, hepatic, and reproductive problems, even in low levels [57][58][59]. For these reasons, the monitoring of such compounds in the environment is an urgent demand.…”