Eye lens radiation exposure to interventional cardiologists: a retrospective assessment of cumulativedoses

TLDR

Radiation dose to the eye lens is a crucial issue for interventional cardiologists who are exposed during the procedures they perform. The study retrospectively assessed cumulative eye lens doses of interventional cardiologists in the O'CLOC study. The assessment incorporated workload data, radiation protection equipment usage, eye lens dose per procedure, and dose‑reduction factors from eye‑protective gear. Cumulative eye lens doses ranged from 25 to >1600 mSv (mean 423 ± 359 mSv) among 129 ICs, with many exceeding the 500 mSv lifetime threshold without protection and thus at high cataract risk; routine use of eye‑protective equipment can lower these doses.

Abstract

Radiation dose to the eye lens is a crucial issue for interventional cardiologists (ICs) who are exposed during the procedures they perform. This paper presents a retrospective assessment of the cumulative eye lens doses of ICs enrolled in the O'CLOC study for Occupational Cataracts and Lens Opacities in interventional Cardiology. Information on the workload in the catheterisation laboratory, radiation protection equipment, eye lens dose per procedure and dose reduction factors associated with eye-protective equipment were considered. For the 129 ICs at an average age of 51 who had worked for an average period of 22 years, the estimated cumulative eye lens dose ranged from 25 mSv to more than 1600 mSv; the mean±SD was 423±359 mSv. After several years of practice, without eye protection, ICs may exceed the new ICRP lifetime eye dose threshold of 500 mSv and be at high risk of developing early radiation-induced cataracts. Radiation protection equipment can reduce these doses and should be used routinely.