Eye lens dosimetry and the study on radiation cataract in interventional cardiologists.

PURPOSE

To determine the eye lens dose of the Interventional Cardiology (IC) personnel using optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD) and the prevalence and risk of radiation - associated lens opacities in Thailand.

METHODS AND RESULTS

48 IC staff, with age- and sex- matches 37 unexposed controls obtained eye examines. Posterior lens change was graded using a modified Merriam-Focht technique by two independent ophthalmologists. Occupational exposure (mSv) was measured in 42 IC staff, using 2 OSLD badges place at inside lead apron and at collar. Annual eye lens doses (mSv) were also measured using 4 nanoDots OSL placed outside and inside lead glass eyewear. The prevalence of radiation-associated posterior lens opacities was 28.6% (2/7) for IC, 19.5% (8/41) for nurses, and 2.7% (1/37) for controls. The average and range of annual whole body effective dose, Hp(10), equivalent dose at skin of the neck, Hp(0.07) and equivalent dose at eye lens, Hp(3) were 0.80 (0.05-6.79), 5.88 (0.14-35.28), and 5.73 (0.14-33.20) mSv respectively. The annual average and range of eye lens dose using nano Dots OSL showed the outside lead glass eyewear on left and right sides as 8.06 (0.17-32.45), 3.55(0.06-8.04) mSv and inside left and right sides as 3.91(0.05-14.26) and 2.44(0.06-6.24) mSv respectively.

CONCLUSION

Eye lens doses measured by OSLD badges and nano Dot dosimeter as Hp(10), Hp(0.07) and Hp(3). The eyes of the IC personnel were examined annually by two ophthalmologists for the prevalence of cataract induced by radiation.