Occupational exposure to metal welding and cataract: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

An increased risk of cataract among welders was found in studies from lower-middle-income countries, but not in studies from high-income countries. The disparity could reflect differences in occupational safety adherence and study methodology and may also involve effect modification by cumulative solar UVR. Although a causal link between UVR from metal welding and cataract is biologically plausible, epidemiological evidence is still limited. More studies are needed to quantify the exact risk of cataract among welders in various populations.