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Eyes and Radiation Medical Uses Effects and Protection

The document discusses the medical applications of radiation in eye care, highlighting its diagnostic and therapeutic uses, such as in imaging and cancer treatment. It also addresses the potential adverse effects of radiation on eye health, including cataracts and retinal damage, and emphasizes the importance of protective measures like lead glasses. Additionally, it points out the limitations of current guidelines and the need for further research on radiation risks and preventive strategies.

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Arpit Raj
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6 views8 pages

Eyes and Radiation Medical Uses Effects and Protection

The document discusses the medical applications of radiation in eye care, highlighting its diagnostic and therapeutic uses, such as in imaging and cancer treatment. It also addresses the potential adverse effects of radiation on eye health, including cataracts and retinal damage, and emphasizes the importance of protective measures like lead glasses. Additionally, it points out the limitations of current guidelines and the need for further research on radiation risks and preventive strategies.

Uploaded by

Arpit Raj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Eyes and Radiation:

Medical Uses, Effects, and


Protection
This presentation explores the medical applications of radiation in
eye-related contexts, its potential effects on eye health, and
essential protective measures. While endoscopies typically don't
involve radiation, hospitals like Indraprastha Apollo often utilise
radiation-based techniques for other diagnostics and treatments,
which can impact eye health. We will critically examine established
narratives and highlight areas needing further attention.

by Arpit Raj
Radiation Uses in Eye-Related Medical Contexts
Radiation plays a crucial role in both diagnosing and treating eye conditions, particularly in ophthalmology and oncology. It's used in imaging and therapeutic procedures.

Diagnostic Uses Therapeutic Uses

Ionising radiation, such as X-rays, is used in imaging techniques that can indirectly Radiation therapy is vital for treating eye cancers like ocular melanoma.
involve the eyes. CT scans of the head, for diagnosing sinus or brain conditions, Brachytherapy, using radioactive seeds, is a common treatment that often preserves
expose the eye area to low-dose radiation. Fluoroscopy, used in interventional vision. Proton beam radiation therapy offers precise treatment, minimising damage
procedures, also emits scatter radiation, posing risks to medical staff's eyes. to surrounding tissues like the optic nerve.
Effects of Radiation on the Eyes
The eyes are highly sensitive to radiation, with the lens and retina being
particularly vulnerable due to their limited ability to repair damage.

Cataracts Retinal Damage


The lens is highly The retina is at risk of
radiosensitive. Ionising radiation retinopathy, where
radiation can cause cataracts blood vessels are damaged,
by denaturing transparent potentially causing
proteins, leading to cloudiness. hemorrhages or blindness.
Even low-dose radiation from Scatter radiation during
repeated diagnostic imaging fluoroscopy can lead to such
can contribute. issues.

Other Effects
Radiation can cause dry eyes by disrupting tear production, as well as
conjunctivitis and corneal damage. High doses may lead to optic nerve
damage or glaucoma.
Radiation-Induced Eye
Conditions
Understanding the specific conditions caused by radiation exposure helps in
prevention and treatment strategies.

Cataracts Retinal Angiopathy


The lens is highly radiosensitive, The retina is susceptible to
with a threshold of 0.5 Gy for radiation retinopathy, where
radiation-induced cataracts. Low- blood vessels are damaged,
dose radiation from repeated potentially causing hemorrhages
diagnostic imaging can contribute or blindness. This is a significant
to their development. risk for radiologic professionals.

Dry Eyes & Corneal Damage


Radiation can disrupt tear production, leading to dry eyes, conjunctivitis,
and corneal damage. High doses may also cause optic nerve damage or
glaucoma.
Space Radiation and Eye
Health
Astronauts face unique risks from space radiation, leading to specific
neuro-ocular syndromes.

Space Radiation SANS Prevalence Protective


Risks Strategies
A 2021 ISS study
High-LET particles in found that 70% of Antioxidant Coenzyme
space radiation pose astronauts experience Q10 showed promise
unique risks to SANS, with retinal in reducing retinal
astronauts' eyes, damage linked to damage from space
contributing to Space- microgravity and radiation, hinting at
Associated Neuro- radiation exposure. future protective
Ocular Syndrome measures for
(SANS). astronauts.
Protective Measures in
Medical Settings
Minimising radiation exposure is crucial for both patients and medical
professionals. The ALARA principle is widely recommended.

Lead Glasses
Lead glasses can reduce eye dose by 90-100%, critical for
radiologists and interventional staff.

Scatter-Shielding Screens
Used with lead glasses, these screens can reduce lens dose
by a factor of 25 or more.

X-ray Tube Positioning


Positioning X-ray tubes below the patient table during
procedures helps lower exposure to the eyes.
Limitations and Alternative Views
Current guidelines have limitations, and some researchers propose alternative
perspectives on radiation risks.

1 Dose Threshold Focus


Establishment guidelines, like ICRP's 0.5 Gy for cataracts, are based on
observational data, not long-term controlled studies.

2 Inconsistent Protocols
Lack of standardised radioprotection protocols, especially in interventional
radiology, leads to inadequate training and varied practices.

3 Underestimated Risks
Systemic underestimation of risks from low-dose, chronic exposures may
lead to stochastic effects like cataracts or cancer over time.

4 Retinal as Brain Marker


Some researchers suggest using eye pathologies as markers for brain
damage, given the retina's connection to the CNS, though this lacks
widespread adoption.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Radiation is invaluable in eye-related diagnostics and treatments, but it poses
significant risks, especially with cumulative exposure. Ensuring radioprotection is
paramount.

Value of Radiation
Essential for diagnostics (CT scans) and treatments (brachytherapy for
melanoma, stereotactic radiotherapy for AMD).

Key Risks
Potential for cataracts, retinal damage, and dry eyes, particularly with
repeated or high-dose exposure.

Protective Measures
Lead glasses and ALARA principles are effective but often
underutilised due to inconsistent protocols.

Future Focus
More research is needed on long-term low-dose effects,
retinal/brain damage, and preventive therapies like antioxidants.

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