Hi All, Long time since I last used this forum but know I can usually get some sensible responses! Has anyone come across any issues or the story that welders who are diabetic have been know to turn blind before they are 40?!? I am well aware that there is a risk between diabetes and blindness and of the varying health risks associated with welding but a direct linke between welding/diabetes and blindness? I have an apprentice welder who has been told this story and is now naturally worried. I was interested to hear the thoughts of my colleagues. D

Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the eye to grow abnormally and if damaged can cause bleeding and blindness. That said I've never heard of a case relating to welding. I suppose in theory damage caused by arc eye could initiate this but then again there is no reason why a welder using the gear properly would suffer it.

Like those who have responded already, I've never heard of welding causing an exacerbation of eye problems in welders with diabetes. As an aside, I have heard and read over the years about a widespread belief in the past that drinking milk gave some sort of protection/benefit to welders against fumes inhaled from their work, especially zinc fumes derived from galvanised metal. Even though experts deemed this to be a myth many years ago - and stressed instead the need for effective measures to prevent fume inhalation - it appears from a quick internet search that some welders and even their employers still believe in the milk myth.

Diabetics are prone to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Welders are more likely to develop cataracts than non-welders. Since there is at least one eye problem common to both............................but then...that's what screens/helmets are for. For more security wear protective specs that are uv filter as well, that avoids "flashes" from other operatives.