RADIUM IN VERNAL CATARRH

Abstract

Since 1917 my co-workers and I, at the request of several ophthalmologists, have treated with radium, a number of patients with vernal catarrh. This contact with a nonmalignant disease has come about because several years ago radium was reported to be of value in dealing with this condition and because our peculiar facilities made possible the preparation of various types of radium applicators in our laboratories. As favorable reports from radium treatment for vernal catarrh are constantly appearing in the ophthalmologic literature, it seems only proper that I should present our experiences to date. I offer this report at the present time particularly since I feel that certain hazards are attendant on this form of treatment, and that it should not be entered into without an unusual degree of caution. As for the immediate effects of treatment, it is my impression that the symptomatic improvement is much more marked when