X-ray canary in the cath lab: Posterior cataracts

Cataract formation in the posterior subcapsular region of the lens is a lesion highly specific to both high-dose acute radiation exposure and chronic low-dose exposure. Low-dose radiation may not manifest lens changes for several decades after initial exposure. Cardiac catheterization team members need to be educated on, and protected from, this form of radiation injury as its long latency period between exposure and physical damage may acutely reduce the sense of hazard amongst healthcare radiation workers.