The eye is one of the most sensitive organs to Sulfur mustard (SM)[C4H8Cl2S], and preliminary symptoms of exposure usually become evident in the eyes. In this study we aim to evaluate the possible long-term retinal electrophysiologic complications of sulfur mustard (SM) poisoning in Iranian veterans during Iran-Iraq war (1980-88).

In a cross-sectional study forty Iranian veterans who were exposed to mustard gas during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88) were included. All the cases underwent complete ocular exam and retinal electrophysiological evaluation, including electroretinography (ERG) and electrooculography (EOG).

Foreign body sensation (70%), dry eye (50%), photophobia (30%), lacrimation (20%) and pain sensation (10%) were among the common symptoms. ERG showed significant reduced amplitude in rod response, maximal combined response, oscillatory potentials, cone response and 30Hz flicker waves compared to normal values (p<0.05). Implicit time of b-wave rod response ERG recording was significantly decreased (p<0.05). Implicit time of cone response b-wave was within normal limits. In EOG, Arden ratio did not decreased (total average of 2.311 and 2.48 in right andleft eyes, respectively).

Delayed toxic effects of SM poisoning in the veterans were observed in the retina, but not in the retinal pigment epithelium layer. As the retina is a neural tissue, long-term effects of SM on neural tissues are presumed.