[Clinico-radiometric studies of the eye in radioactive contamination]

The aim of the study was assessment of local and remote effects of radioactive substances on ocular media and development of measures to remove radionuclides from the eye. Radioactive substances getting into the eye in the form of aerosols, dust, or gaseous mixtures are unevenly distributed in it. The highest radioactivity was found on the skin of the eyelids and orbit, particularly so on the eyelashes and eyebrows, the least one on the cornea and in the conjunctival cavity. A follow-up of 8 to 17 years showed that timely removal of radionuclides from ocular surface prevented the development of specific symptoms and trophic changes of ocular media, of radiation cataracts among other things. The suggested method for washing the skin of the eyelids and orbital area from radioactive contaminants did not induce skin irritation, maceration, sense of discomfort, and is recommended for practice.