1 GHz irradiation of intact bovine eye lens affects the optical function of the lens. Although self-recovery occurs after ceasing exposure, microscopic damage still remains.

PMID: 

Bioelectromagnetics. 2005 Jul ;26(5):398-405. PMID: 15887253

Abstract Title: 

Localized effects of microwave radiation on the intact eye lens in culture conditions.

Abstract: 

A novel experimental system was used to investigate the localized effects of microwave radiation on bovine eye lenses in culture for over 2 weeks. Using this setup, we found clear evidence that this radiation has a significant impact on the eye lens. At the macroscopic level, it is demonstrated that exposure to a few mW at 1 GHz for over 36 h affects the optical function of the lens. Most importantly, self-recovery occurs if the exposure is interrupted. At the microscopic level, close examination of the lens indicates that the interaction mechanism is completely different from the mechanism-causing cataract via temperature increase. Contrary to the latter's effect, that is particularly pronounced in the vicinity of the sutures and it is assumed to be a result of local friction between the edges of the fibers consisting the lens. Even if macroscopically the lens has recovered from the irradiation, microscopically the indicators of radiation impact remain.

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