[Experimental studies on lesions of eye tissues in cobalt intoxication].

The aim of the paper was to examine the influence of cobalt compound on rabbit eye tissues. The lesions in the eyeball were evaluated basing on ophthalmological examination and in light and electron microscopes. The studies revealed that cobalt intoxication caused the following damages in the rabbit retina: oedema and atrophy of nerve fibres, lesions of ganglion, amacrine, bipolar, horizontal cells and nucleus of photoreceptors. Also, obliteration of choroidal vessels and changes in iris and ciliary body were found. Cataract developed in 42% of rabbits and 25% chronic purulent endophthalmitis in 25%. The results of these experimental investigations indicate that further studies on the influence of this metal on human eye tissues are necessary.