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An electrician developed star-shaped cataracts in his eyes after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity

Tuesday, 12/12/2023, 11:51 (GMT+7)

14,000 volts coursing through the man caused damage to the optic nerve itself and developed mysterious star-shaped eyes.

A 42-year-old electrician had an electrical accident, leading to the development of star-shaped cataracts in his eyes. 

In a recent case report, it was revealed that a 42-year-old electrician from California experienced a unique and concerning consequence following a work-related accident. 

The electrician's left shoulder suddenly made contact with a staggering 14,000 volts of electricity. 

An electrician developed star-shaped cataracts in his eyes after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity 1
14,000 volts were flowing through the Californian electrician. Image Credit: Getty

As a result, an electric current surged through his entire body, traversing even the optic nerve, which serves as the vital link between the back of the eye and the brain.

The incident led to the development of star-shaped cataracts in his eyes

The extreme current and voltage caused damage to his optic nerve.

"The optic nerve is similar to any wire that conducts electricity," said Dr. Bobby Korn, an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of California, San Diego.

"In this case, the extreme current and voltage that passed through this important natural wire caused damage to the optic nerve itself," Korn said.

An electrician developed star-shaped cataracts in his eyes after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity 2
This accident resulted in his eyes having actual stars inside of them. Image Credit: The New England Journal of Medicine.

Following four weeks post-accident, the electrician began to encounter issues with his vision. 

Upon examination, it was discovered that the man presented with remarkable star-shaped cataracts in both of his eyes. 

Many people were surprised when he survived after being exposed to 14,000 volts of electricity with only his eyes affected, not even blind, and leaving strange shapes on his eyes.

However, according to the report, the man's vision was also significantly limited by the damage to his optic nerve.

An electrician developed star-shaped cataracts in his eyes after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity 3
Although he was not blind, the electrician's vision was significantly limited after the accident. Image Credit: The New England Journal of Medicine

The man's incident surprised many people because of his miraculous survival

After a picture of the electrician's eyes circulated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), it left people questioning its authenticity. Some individuals questioned whether the image was real or fabricated.

An electrician developed star-shaped cataracts in his eyes after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity 4
The man is known to still have limited vision after undergoing several minor surgeries. Image Credit: Getty

The miraculous fact that he not only survived the accident but also retained his vision, albeit with some visual impairment, one user commented.

Although it appears that the cataracts have been corrected, he may yet eventually lose his vision. He is quite fortunate, the second said.

Incredible that he didn't become blind after that accident, another expressed.