[Morphological changes of the vision organ among winterers in Ukrainian Antarctic station "Academician Vernadskiĭ"].

Abstract

The study revealed that the Antarctic territory in the area of the Ukrainian Antarctic station "Academician Vernadsky" can be referred to the zone of the "super high", risk in developing ophthalmological pathology, caused by ultraviolet radiation. The results of the comprehensive dynamic study of 24 winterers of the XVI and XVII Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions (2011-2013) showed the developing of specific changes in the organ of vision under the exposure to the excessive natural ultraviolet radiation (UVR), such as parenchymatous-endothelial keratopathy, nuclear-posteriorcapsular phacopathy, maculopathy. Morphological changes were recorded using the cornea densitometry method: a decrease of the central cornea thickness by 14.3%, a decrease of the density and the number of endothelial cells of hexagonal type by 10.1% and 16.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). Using densitometry method, we detected morphological changes in the lens. Specifically, we found an increase of the optic lens density: in median zone by 10.1%, in maximal zone by 21.6%, in posterior part by 13.1%, P < 0.05. The results of densitometry recordings point to the development of local opacity in the posterior lens parts (in the nucleus and in the capsule). The data of the computed quantitative macula perimetry showed a significant decrease of light sensitivity of retina conicalis cells by 6 times (P < 0.05). The morphological signs of the endured acute solar retinopathy were found in more than 50% winterers. The revealed pathological changes can be considered as pre-, subclinical manifestations of the cornea dystrophy, cataracts and maculodystrophy, caused by specific action of the natural UVR, thus demanding the elaboration of the combined preventive measures.