Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00466:reg:8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00466
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 8
Character Range: 3461–5700

8               Factors that must exist
At least one of the following factors must as a minimum exist before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting retinal burn or death from retinal burn with the circumstances of a person's relevant service:
(1)          having ocular exposure to laser radiation resulting in a visual field defect or scotoma of the affected eye at the time of the clinical onset of retinal burn;
Note 1: Not all laser eye exposures will cause retinal injuries, with the probability of laser retinal injury dependent on the laser energy delivered to the eye which is a feature of the power of the laser, irradiance (power density of the beam), and the duration of exposure.
Note 2: Laser exposure can be direct into the axis of the eye or indirect off a specular surface. The risk of retinal damage is increased if the laser source is viewed through magnifying devices such as binoculars, and telescopic sights.
(2)          having ocular exposure to arc welding radiation resulting in a visual field defect or scotoma of the affected eye at the time of the clinical onset of retinal burn;
Note 1: The probability of arc welding radiation retinal injury is dependent on the energy delivered to the eye that is a feature of the power of the welder, the irradiance (power density of the beam), the duration of exposure, and the protective equipment worn by the welder.
Note 2: Arc welding retinal burns are often associated with corneal and conjunctiva burns (Welder's flash), but the clinical onset of the retinal burn would have occurred at the time of the arc welding flash but may have been masked by the symptoms associated with the corneal and conjunctival burns.
(3)          having ocular exposure to the radiation from a nuclear explosion resulting in a visual field defect or scotoma of the affected eye at the time of the clinical onset of retinal burn;
(4)          having ocular exposure to the radiation from viewing of the sun with the naked eye or with an optical instrument resulting in a visual field defect or scotoma of the affected eye at the time of the clinical onset of retinal burn;
(5)          inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for retinal burn.