Assessment of the Ocular Effects in Cardiac Catheterization Unit’s Medical Personnel Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Gamma rays, x-rays, and high ultraviolet are classified as ionizing radiation as their photons have enough energy to ionize atoms, causing chemical reactions. People can be exposed to ionizing radiation under different circumstances, at home, in public places (public exposures), at their workplaces (occupational exposures), or in a medical setting (as are patients, caregivers, and volunteers). Radiation damage to tissue or organs depends on the dose of radiation received, or the absorbed dose which is expressed in a unit called the gray (Gy). The potential damage from an absorbed dose depends on the type of radiation and the sensitivity of different tissues and organs. Objective: To investigate the long-term influence of the ionizing radiation on the lens. Patients and Methods: Type of Study: Comparative case – control, Cross-Sectional Study. Study Setting: Ain Shams University hospital, Ophthalmology Department. Study Period: 6 months. Results: A significant difference was found between groups regarding the presence of cataract. There was a significant positive correlation between exposure duration and cataract grade. Conclusion: A significant difference was found between groups regarding the presence of cataract. As there is a risk that other ocular pathologies are related to occupational radiation exposure, further investigative studies are required to define these. It can be strongly recommended that all personnel exposed to occupational radiation have routine eye examinations.