Digital Twins for Risk Prediction of Microwave Radiation in the Human Eye
Authors:   Department of Physiotherapy (Incl Optics & Optometry Department), Laboratory of Health Physics & Computational Intelligence, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece., Maria Adamopoulou , Dimitra Makrynioti ,   Department of Physiotherapy (Incl Optics & Optometry Department), Laboratory of Health Physics & Computational Intelligence, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece., Athanasios Fouras ,   Department of Physiotherapy (Incl Optics & Optometry Department), Laboratory of Health Physics & Computational Intelligence, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece., Gerasimos Messaris ,   Department of Physiotherapy (Incl Optics & Optometry Department), Laboratory of Health Physics & Computational Intelligence, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece., Ioannis Hatzilygeroudis ,   Computer Engineering & Informatics Department, AI Group, University of Patras, Patras, Greece., Constantinos Koutsojannis ,   Department of Physiotherapy (Incl Optics & Optometry Department), Laboratory of Health Physics & Computational Intelligence, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
Published: June 2024

Recent studies support the long-held belief that the lens of the eye is one of the human body’s most radiosensitive tissues, especially in the ocular region. This study highlights the influence of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which may cause cataracts or other visual illnesses. We exposed intact cultured lenses to microwave radiation for extended periods while maintaining a consistent ambient temperature using an A.I. computer-controlled electromagnetic bench. To simulate using a cell phone, both eyes exposed to microwave radiation at 0.8 to 1.2 GHz and 2.0 W from a distance of 2 to 5 cm. The investigation of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) distribution in living tissues simulated using the Sim4Life platform’s MIDAS head phantom for personalized experiments through “Digital Twin” approaches. According to our research, this electromagnetic radiation causes a mean rapid up to 2°C temperature increase. Notably, electromagnetic radiation causes temperature-related effects on the sclera, choroid, and retina, which are the posterior portions of the eye. This explained by the predominant heat flux that these regions’ blood flow produces. Extended exposure (i.e., more than 20 minutes) to 2.0 W at 1.1 GHz is detrimental to the eyes’ health and optical performance. The temperature elevation is the main cause of possible damaging processes for the nonionizing radiation band, according to International Regulation Bodies such as ICRP and ICNIRP. The study unequivocally shows that microwave radiation has an impact on the eye structures, introducing risks with both immediate and long-term consequences. The optical transmission properties of these structures compromised by electromagnetic radiation that surpasses specific energy thresholds, indicating potential harm to them. The current methodology can applied to personalize workplace/environment safety measures or even medication techniques for eye tissues, as all Digital Twins models.