The X Ray and Radium Phosphenes

Abstract

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS, as well as radiologists, are aware that radium radiations and x rays can produce a sensation of light on striking a person's eye. This phenomenon is being used clinically to locate foreign bodies within the eye and to test the retinae of cataractous eyes. It has recently been used to measure the diameters and refractive power of living human eyes. But the mechanism by which these radiations arouse a visual sensation is still unknown.