Radiation-Induced Eye Lens Changes and Risk for Cataract in Interventional Cardiology

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Recent studies have reported a significant increase in eye lens opacities among staff in the cardiac catheterization laboratory but indicated further studies are needed to confirm the findings. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the prevalence of opacities in eyes of cardiologists, radiographers and nurses working in interventional cardiology. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The eyes of 52 staff in interventional cardiology facilities and 34 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls were screened in a cardiology conference held in Kuala Lumpur by dilated slit-lamp examination, and posterior lens changes were graded. Individual cumulative lens X-ray exposures were calculated from responses to a questionnaire in terms of workload and working practice. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The prevalence of posterior lens opacities among interventional cardiologists was 53%, while in nurses and radiographers it was 45%. Corresponding relative risks were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2–5.4) and 2.2 (95% CI: 0.98–4.9), for interventional cardiologists and support staff, respectively. <b><i>Con