Brittain G P
Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Br J Ophthalmol. 1988 Aug;72(8):570-5. doi: 10.1136/bjo.72.8.570.
A new generation of arc welder has recently become widely available at a price which is within reach of most amateurs and part-time mechanics, known as the MIG welder (metal-arc inert gas welder). In MIG welding the arc is ensheathed in a stream of inert gas which prevents the molten metal from oxidising. The stream of gas changes the character of the emitted radiation, and it is possible that this type of welder poses a greater threat to sight than previously recognised. Radiation in the ultraviolet range emitted by arc welders is absorbed by the unprotected cornea and lens, giving rise to a keratoconjunctivitis, or 'arc-eye,' which, though intensely painful, is not considered a threat to sight. Radiation in the visible and near infrared spectrum, however, penetrates the eye to be absorbed by the retina and may cause thermal or photochemical damage which may be permanent and sight-threatening. Retinal injuries resulting from exposure to ordinary electric welding arcs have been reported, but such injuries are uncommon. Two cases of retinal burns resulting from exposure to MIG welder emissions which presented on consecutive days to the Leicester Royal Infirmary are presented. This is the first report of such injuries relating specifically to MIG welding.
新一代电弧焊机最近已广泛上市，价格大多数业余爱好者和兼职机械师都能承受，这种焊机就是金属极惰性气体保护电弧焊机（MIG焊机）。在MIG焊接中，电弧被一股惰性气体包围，这可防止熔融金属氧化。气流改变了所发射辐射的特性，这种类型的焊机对视力造成的威胁可能比之前认为的更大。电弧焊机发出的紫外线辐射会被未受保护的角膜和晶状体吸收，引发角结膜炎，即“电弧眼”，虽然剧痛，但一般不认为会威胁视力。然而，可见光和近红外光谱范围内的辐射会穿透眼睛被视网膜吸收，并可能造成热损伤或光化学损伤，这种损伤可能是永久性的且会威胁视力。接触普通电焊弧导致视网膜损伤的情况已有报道，但此类损伤并不常见。本文介绍了莱斯特皇家医院连续两天接诊的两例因接触MIG焊机辐射而导致视网膜灼伤的病例。这是首例专门与MIG焊接相关的此类损伤报告。
