[Cataractogenic effect of protons with energies of 25 and 50 MeV].

The frequency of cataract formation in mice was studied during their exposure to protons of 25 and meV and X-rays of 200 kV at doses of 100-600 rad. The frequency of cataract formation was a function of the irradiation dose and postirradiation time. The frequency of occurrence and intensity of development of radiation-induced cataracts was related to the dose rate. No qualitative differences in the clinical picture of the formation and development of cataracts indlced by protons or by X-rays were noted. The RBE coefficients of 25 and 50 meV protons approximated a unit.