Eye lens dosimetry in anesthesiology: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Protection
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• The eye lens is highly sensitive to radiation, with exposure potentially causing radiation-induced cataract.
• Ongoing debate exists regarding the causality of radiation-induced cataract, prompting revised occupational dose limits.
• The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) lowered the annual eye lens dose limit to 20 mSv.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively investigate eye lens dosimetry in anesthesiology practice.
• To measure radiation exposure during routine professional activities and specific interventional procedures.
• To compare measured doses against the revised ICRP occupational dose limit.

Main Methods:

• Eye lens doses were measured using the Eye-D dosimeter (Radcard, Poland) placed near the right eye.
• Doses were recorded for 16 anesthesiologists over a routine working month, extrapolated to annual doses.
• Specific procedures including neuro-embolisation, radiofrequency ablations, and vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty were monitored.

Main Results:

• Estimated annual eye lens doses for anesthesiologists ranged from 0.4 to 3.5 mSv (average 1.33 mSv), well below the 20 mSv limit.
• Average eye lens doses during procedures were 77 ± 76 µSv (neuro-embolisation), 38 ± 34 µSv (cardiac ablation), and 40 ± 44 µSv (vertebro-/kyphoplasty).
• High maximum doses (up to 264 µSv) were recorded during neuro-embolisation procedures.

Conclusions:

• While average annual eye lens doses are below the ICRP limit, specific procedures show elevated exposure levels.
• Anesthesiologists in radiological environments must maintain vigilance and adhere to radiation safety standards.
• Protective measures, including shielding and routine monitoring, are crucial to mitigate risks associated with radiation-induced cataract.