In plain language
In this small screening study, about half of interventional cardiologists and nurses had posterior lens opacities versus 9% of unexposed controls, with risk rising with estimated eye dose. Findings support routine eye protection for the cath lab team.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Nurses
- Size
- n = 89 participants (56 interventional cardiologists, 11 nurses, 22 controls)
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Posterior lens opacities were far more common in interventional cardiologists and nurses than in unexposed controls.
Key figures: 52% (29/56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 35-73) cardiologists; 45% (5/11, 95% CI: 15-100) nurses; 9% (2/22, 95% CI: 1-33) controls
Relative risk of lens opacity was about five-fold for both interventional cardiologists and nurses.
Key figures: Relative risk (RR) 5.7 (95% CI: 1.5-22) cardiologists; RR 5.0 (95% CI: 1.2-21) nurses
Estimated cumulative ocular doses varied widely, with a median of 1.0 Gy.
Key figures: 0.01 to 43 Gy; mean 3.4 Gy, median 1.0 Gy
A strong dose-response relationship was found between occupational exposure and posterior lens changes.
Authors recommend use of ocular radiation protection, noting a larger cohort is needed to confirm findings.
Limits to keep in mind
Small sample (especially only 11 nurses and 22 controls) with wide confidence intervals; cumulative eye doses were reconstructed from questionnaires and interviews rather than measured dosimetry.
Related research summaries
- Radiation-associated lens opacities in catheterization personnel: results of a survey and direct assessments (2013, Cross-sectional survey)
- Occupational radiation doses to the extremities and the eyes in interventional radiology and cardiology procedures (2011, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational radiation exposure to nursing staff during cardiovascular fluoroscopic procedures: A review of the literature (2018, Narrative review)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.