Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lens opacities among physicians occupationally exposed to radiation – overall and by occupational factors – and to assess the feasibility of a large-scale study for risk assessment.

Methods Based on a nationwide registry of 1312 physicians, mostly radiologists with occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, 120 subjects were invited to participate, of which 59 (49%) consented. The inclusion criteria included (i) age 45–70 years, (ii) cumulative recorded radiation dose >10 mSv, and (iii) duration of work with dose monitoring >15 years. The participants completed a questionnaire regarding occupational history and other risk factors for lens opacities. A full ophthalmological examination was performed. Lenticular changes were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System, version II (LOCS II), and the Nidek EAS–1000 Scheimpflug slit-imaging videophotography system.

Results Lens opacities were detected in 42% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 29–55] of the 57 physicians without prior cataract surgery. Nuclear opacities were found in 14% (95% CI 6–26), cortical in 7% (95% CI 2–19), and posterior subcapsular in 5% (95% CI 1–15) of the subjects. The prevalence of lens opacities increased with age, smoking, and cumulative recorded radiation dose. After controlling for age, gender, and smoking, the excess odds ratio for any lens opacity was 0.13 (95% CI -0.02–0.28) per 10 mSv of cumulative radiation dose.

Conclusions Our preliminary results show cortical and posterior subcapsular lens opacities among physicians exposed to occupational radiation, consistent with recent studies on low dose radiation exposure. A full study with an unexposed reference group for risk estimation is warranted.

Key terms cataract; crystalline; exposure; Finland; Finland; ionizing radiation; lens; lens opacity; occupational; physician; pilot study; radiation effect; radiation protection; radiology