Lens findings in Atomic bomb survivors. A review of major ophthalmic surveys at the atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (1949-1962).

Abstract

In the eye examinations of Japanese survivors of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there is only one finding which is consistently present in all examinations throughout the years. This is the presence of posterior subcapsular changes in the lens. These changes range from those barely discernible with the slitlamp biomicroscope, through a heavy posterior subcapsular plaque and, in a few instances, to complete opacification of the lens. Except for the very few instances, in which there is marked opacity of the lens, there is little alteration in the visual acuity of the patients. No other eye findings attributable to radiation have been found.