Radiation effects on light scattering and cataract formation in the lenses of interventional radiologist and cardiologists

Abstract

AbstractPurpose There is little information about exposure to dosages below 500 mSv. This pilot study aimed at investigating the effects of low dose radiation on lens transparency in occupationally exposed interventional cardiologists and radiologists.Methods Physicians who have performed fluoroscopically guided procedures for at least 5 years were recruited in the areas of Cologne‐Bonn and Rhine‐Main together with their non‐exposed colleagues. A questionnaire has been developed to estimate occupational exposure. Exclusion criteria comprised corticosteroid treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and glaucoma. Changes in lens transparency and cataract formation were determined by slit lamp microscopy including LOCS III grading, slit lamp photography and Scheimpflug/Pentacam® imaging.Results The prevalence of lens opacification mainly found in the nuclear region was 52% (95% CI: 30‐74%) among interventional physicians and 31% (95% CI: 9‐61%) among their non‐exposed colleagues. Densitometric analysis of the cornea demonstrated a mean value 52,8% (SD: 7,4) in exposed participants compared to 45,9 % (SD: 7,2) in non‐exposed colleagues. In the lenses layers 4 (deep cortex) and 5 (supra‐nuclear layer) evidenced higher mean densities (40,5% (SD: 3,9%) vs. 31,6% (SD: 6,9%) in layer 4 and 27,5% (SD: 1,9%) vs. 23,7% (SD: 4,3%) in layer 5).Conclusion The data from the ophthalmological examinations demonstrated generally normal findings. However, classification of the mostly small cataracts and densitometric analysis of cornea and lens evidenced that low dosage exposure to ionizing radiation has an effect on corneal and lenticular transparency, albeit on a subclinical level.