Lens changes among health care personnel occupationally exposed to ionising radiation (KAIHI)

Aim of the study

The aim is to evaluate possible effect of small radiation doses on development of lens opacifications.

Implementation

We have carried out a feasibility study of ophthalmologic examinations for assessing lens changes among occupationally exposed physicians. Lenticular opacities were common, occurring in The study will be extended by increasing the number of exposed subjects and recruiting a reference group of unexposed physicians with funding from The Finnish Work Environment Fund (TSR). Further, a registry-based study of cataract among radiology nurses will be conducted. The incidence of cataract surgery among physicians monitored for radiation exposure will be evaluated form the Hospital Discharge Registry maintained by STAKES. Unexposed physicians identified from census will form the reference group.

Dissemination and exploitation of results

The results of the feasibility study will be published in 2009. The collection of the extended material will be started in 2009. The results will be published in an international scientific journal

Collaborators

Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland

Timetable

2006–2010

Responsible scientist

Anssi Auvinen

Page updated 24/06/2009