title: Radiation-induced eye lens changes and risk for cataract in interventional cardiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence of opacities in eyes of cardiologists, radiographers and nurses working in interventional cardiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms a statistically significant increase in radiation-associated posterior lens changes in the eyes of interventional cardiology staff.
authors.affiliation: Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ciraj-Bjelac
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rehani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minamoto
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002309:Cardiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors