Ocular morbidity after radiotherapy of orbital and conjunctival lymphoma

One hundred and fifteen patients were treated for lymphoma of the conjunctiva and orbit between 1970 and 1984. One hundred and twelve patients received radiotherapy to the orbit, of whom 73 (65 per cent) had at least one year of follow-up by an ophthalmic surgeon. Patients with low-grade lymphomas (97) mostly received 30 Gy in 15 fractions to the orbit over a period of 3 weeks. Those with high-grade lymphomas (18) mostly received 40 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks. Most were treated using anterior and lateral radiation fields to the orbit with shielding of the cornea and lens. This technique delivered a mean lens dose of 15 Gy. The early and late ocular and orbital morbidity in these patients was low. Eight radiation-induced cataracts developed of which only six interfered with vision. None has needed cataract surgery. No patients developed radiation retinopathy and only 5 had disorders of ocular lubrication.