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Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica 1/2015

01-02-2015 | Review Article

The effect of cobalt on the human eye

Authors: Caroline Ann Lim, Jane Khan, Enid Chelva, Riaz Khan, Timothy Unsworth-Smith

Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The effect of elevated serum cobalt on the human visual system has not yet been established. In light of recent reports of visual problems with elevated cobalt in association with hip prostheses, this review examines the literature for evidence regarding the effects of cobalt on human visual function.

Methods

A systematic literature review was undertaken in July 2013. The electronic databases of PubMed (1955 to July week 1 2013), Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched. Only human studies or case reports written in English were included.

Results

Eight case reports were identified. Five case reports involved patients with metal hip arthroplasties, two cases involved patients exposed to environmental cobalt, and one case involved a patient treated medically for anaemia with cobalt chloride. No human prospective studies were identified.

Conclusions

Several case reports showed that high serum cobalt may be associated with both irreversible and reversible visual loss, optic neuropathy and atrophy, electrophysiological evidence of abnormal retinal and retinal pigment epithelium function and fluorescein angiographic evidence of abnormal choroidal perfusion.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of cobalt on the human eye
Authors
Caroline Ann Lim
Jane Khan
Enid Chelva
Riaz Khan
Timothy Unsworth-Smith
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Documenta Ophthalmologica / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0012-4486
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2622
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-014-9469-3

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