[Radiation accidents affecting the eye and their treatment (author's transl)]

Eye injuries which can occur as a result of radiation accidents of leaks in nuclear power plants are described and their treatment discussed. The trauma may be due to mechanical or thermal influences or the result of exposure to chemicals or radioactivity. After stopping the blepharospasm careful inspection of the conjunctiva is mandatory. If the bulbus is intact, rinsing with a pulsating water jet (Waterpik) is recommended, while if it is perforated primary operative treatment of the injury must be performed before radiation damage sets in. It is pointed out that the special medical centers for the treatment of radiation damage are equipped for ophthalmic surgery.