Beta Irradiation of the Eye

Abstract

Recent reports and discussion of the value and dangers of irradiation of the eye with the beta rays of radon have been both enthusiastic and pessimistic. The present uncertainty can be attributed to many factors, among which may be mentioned : ( 1 ) Variability in dosage and technique of application, with too little attention being paid to the characteristics of the irradiation used, the distance of the applicator from the eye, localization of the area to be treated, and possible cumulative effects; (2) ignorance of the differential sensitivity of the normal tissues of the eye and those tissues which are to be destroyed by irradiation; and (3) difficulty in comparing the results of beta treatment with untreated controls. Often the beta irradiation clinic becomes a convenient spot to which hopeless cases can be referred regardless of theoretical or practical justification. In this paper, the various techniques and effects of beta irradiation will be discussed in an effort to arrive at a selection of suitable cases for treatment, and to utilize a dose sufficiently large to destroy undesirable tissue without undue damage to the normal structures of the eye. In addition, we will report some preliminary experiments on the use of beta irradiation following chemical burns of the eye, especially in regard to vascularization of the cornea.