Occupational radiation exposure and excess additive risk of cataract incidence in a cohort of US radiologic technologists

What is it about?

Previous analyses of cataract in radiation-exposed populations have assessed relative risk, with emerging evidence of risk at low dose (<100 mGy). Radiogenic excess additive cataract risk may be of more importance than relative risk for assessing impact on public health.
We observed markedly elevated excess additive risks of cataract in relation to occupational radiation dose in the US Radiologic Technologists, with excess risk below 100 mGy; there was no elevation in risk of cataract surgery. Risk was very much higher among persons aged >75 y and among diabetics. The elevated additive risks associated with low-dose radiation have important public health and clinical implications for radiation workers as well as worker protection and regulatory measures, also for those exposed to diagnostic medical exposures such as computed tomography. Those with diabetes and radiation exposed should be subject to increased surveillance for cataract.


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