So, do you know what cataracts are? Cataracts are clouding inside the lens of the eye. Cataracts, if gone untreated, can e extremely harmful to patients. CT scans are diagnostic imaging procedures that serve a number of purposes, like diagnosing and helping treat complex conditions such as cancer. At first glance the only real relationship between cataracts and CT scans is the fact that they share the letter c and t. There is apparently more to this particular relationship than matching letters.
In a retrospective study of well over 30,000 patients it was discovered that patients who undergo repeat scans are more likely to develop cataracts than those that do not. The incredible part is that the radiation dosage, even when it’s a smaller amount, plays a part. Cataracts are not the worst thing that can happen to a patient exposed to some radiation.
In an article it was stated “The eye lenses are among the organs most sensitive to injury from radiation due to their surface location and their direct contact with the x-ray beam, the authors noted. The relationship between cataract formation and exposure to radiation has been documented in epidemiological studies of atomic bomb survivors, as well as in several articles examining the incidence of radiation-induced cataracts in radiology department workers and among patients who have undergone repeated CT scans.”
One of the things about the study was that the patients were largely being treated for cancer as opposed to other conditions. While the trade off may seem good, cured cancer and a little haze in return, it’s still a pain. One thing to keep in mind is the facts that CT scans have come to the forefront over the last several years and as a result the numbers may actually be inaccurate. The CT scan is not a dangerous imaging procedure but like any procedure it will have side effects. A CT scan is not invasive and often times it does more good than it could ever be bad.
It was stated “After considering variables such as age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of coronary artery disease, CT exposure remained significantly associated with a higher risk of cataract development"
With any study, there have to be several factors considered and once they are considered they have to be looked at carefully individually. Hopefully the CT won’t continue to get so much heat in the near future.
If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated professionals here at Clermont Radiology looks forward to answering your questions.
Charla Hurst
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