Ocular pulse wave in workers exposed to carbon disulfide.

Oculosphygmography (OSG), combined with electrocardiography, was performed on 38 male workers exposed occupationally to carbon disulfide (CS2) and 40 unexposed male paper mill workers. A statistical analysis of the results showed that the ocular pulse wave of the exposed group showed a significantly lower pattern than that of the unexposed group. A comparison between workers currently exposed to CS2 and those no longer exposed indicated that the hemodynamic alterations caused by CS2 exposure lead to a permanent condition. It is concluded that CS2 exposure increases the rigidity of the vascular bed of the eye. The data indicate that primarily chronic, subclinical CS2 poisoning causes capillary damage. Oculosphygmography seems to be one objective examination useful in diagnosing the subtle syndrome of chronic CS2 poisoning.