Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation
Published on: March 12, 2016
Glaucoma in atomic bomb survivors.
Yoshiaki Kiuchi1, Tomoko Yokoyama, Michiya Takamatsu
1a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
This study found a potential link between atomic bomb radiation exposure and an increased prevalence of normal-tension glaucoma in survivors. Further research is needed to confirm these findings due to study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Radiation epidemiology
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Radiation exposure is linked to noncancerous diseases.
- The effect of low-dose radiation on glaucoma prevalence is largely unknown.
- Atomic bomb survivors provide a unique cohort for studying radiation effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of glaucoma in atomic bomb survivors.
- To examine the dose-response relationship between radiation exposure and glaucoma.
- To determine if radiation exposure increases the risk of developing specific types of glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional screening study of 1,589 atomic bomb survivors with reconstructed radiation doses.
- Ophthalmological examinations including interviews, optic disc assessment, and perimetry.
- Binary regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors like age and gender.
Main Results:
- Overall glaucoma prevalence was 17.9% (284/1,589).
- Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) showed a significant association with radiation dose (OR=1.31 per Gy, P=0.001).
- No significant association was found for primary open-angle or primary angle-closure glaucoma with radiation dose.
Conclusions:
- A-bomb radiation exposure may be associated with an increased prevalence of normal-tension glaucoma.
- The findings suggest a potential radiation-induced risk for NTG.
- High nonparticipation rates necessitate caution and further validation of results.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Biological Effects of Radiation

