The Effects of Ionization Radiation Exposure on Crystalline Lenses of Interventional Radiologists

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the effects of radiation exposure on crystal lenses of interventional radiologists (IRs).

Methods: : An ophthalmological examination was conducted with 161 IRs and 331 normal controls. Their crystalline lenses were examined under pupil dilatation by one examiner, using a slit lamp. Diagnosis of the three main types of lens opacities (Nuclear, Cortical and Posterior Subcapsular cataract (PSC)) was made applying WHO classification criteria. After subjects with cataract risk factors other than radiation, and cases of poor posterior lens capsule images (EAS-1000, NIDEK) were excluded, the light scattering intensity (LSI) and lens thickness of 54 IRs and 108 age-matched controls were measured and compared.

Results: : Of all 492 subjects, 3 IRs (1.9%) and one control subject (0.3%) were diagnosed with PSC. From a viewpoint of quantitative evaluation, the average LSI at posterior subcapsular region of IRs (40.5cct) was significantly higher than that of controls (34.5cct) (p=0.0031, Welch test). Among 3 age brackets (younger, middle, upper), significant differences between IRs and controls occurred only in one (younger). LSI at posterior capsule and at anterior superficial cortical regions, and thickness of anterior cortical region in IRs and controls were 48.7 cct vs. 35.7cct (p=0.003), 42.2 cct vs. 36.4 cct (p=0.036) and 0.33mm vs. 0.36mm (p=0.044), respectively.

Conclusions: : Increase of LSI at posterior subcapsular region and anterior cortical area of IRs was detected. Although only a long term follow up can qualify this significance, the necessity of protection for eyes and crystalline lens in interventional radiology is suggested.

Keywords: cataract • radiation damage: light/UV • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment