ATOMIC BOMB RADIATION CATARACT IN NAGASAKI
Ophthalmological examinations were conducted from 1953 to 1956 in 1600 persons aged 7-69 yr who were within 1008000 m of the hypocenter of the explosion. The frequency of radiation-induced cataract was 57% (432 cases found in 753 subjects examined) within 1800 m of the hypocenter and 46% (463 out of 1010) within 2400 m. Lenticular opacities caused by radiation consisted of four types: (1) white, punctate opacities in the transitional zone, (2) vacuoles in the cortex of lens, (3) plaque-like opacities in the subcapsular region of the posterior pole, and (4) tuft-like opacities in the posterior polar cortex. Types 1 and 4 were found to be characteristic of radiation cataract whereas 2 and 3 were seen in other kinds of cataract. Type 3 was found in 7% of control subjects. Subclassifications of various types of radiation cataract are proposed and discussed. The degree of lenticular opacity appeared to be proportional to the radiation dose; incidence varied from 84% at 1100 m to 32% at 1700 m in a roughly linear fashion. Frequency and severity of cataract were also related to shielding and to other symptoms of radiation (especially epilation of scalp) but not age or sex. In persons exposed at 100-1600 m, those provided with good shielding such as an air-raid shelter or concrete building suffered fewer cataracts (39%) than those with poor shielding and incurring burns (71%). Visual acuity was not affected except in severe cases of cataract and in the later cases surgery was effective in restoring vision. No progression of cataract was noted during the 3-yr observation period. It was concluded that radiation-induced cataract generally has a good prognosis. (H.H.D.)
- Research Organization:
- Nagasaki Univ.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-020133
- OSTI ID:
- 4839528
- Journal Information:
- Acta Med. Nagasakiensia, Vol. Vol: 5; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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