The ocular surface status in individuals having long-term exposure to ionizing X-radiations

• Published in: Contact lens & anterior eye 2019-06, Vol.42 (3), p.278-282
• Main Authors: Aghamirsalim, Mohammadreza, Asharlous, Amir, Hashemi, Hassan, Yekta, Abbasali, Rakhshan, Amir, Ostadimoghaddam, Hadi, Gharaee, Hamid, Khabazkhoob, Mehdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cohort Studies; Cornea; Cornea - physiopathology; Cornea - radiation effects; Corneal Topography; Dry Eye Syndromes - etiology; Dry Eye Syndromes - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiographers; Radiography; Radiology - education; Surface Properties; Tear film; Tears - physiology; Topography; X-radiations; X-Rays - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1367-0484; 1476-5411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2019.02.009

The present investigation was done to assess the status of tear film and corneal topography in individuals with long-term exposure to X-ray. This historical cohort study was carried out to compare the lacrimal and corneal findings between radiographers (n = 126) and non-radiographers (n = 172). Radiographers included individuals with at least 5 years of experience in radiography while subjects in the control group had no history of exposure to X-ray. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was filled out by all individuals. Besides, the Pentacam imaging of both eyes was done. Finally, the lacrimal tests including tear break-up time and Schirmer (with anesthesia) were performed for both eyes of the participants. The mean values of the Schirmer and Tear breakup time (TBUT) in the radiographer group (Schirmer: 11.1 ± 3.2 mm, TBUT: 11.3 ± 4.1 s) were significantly lower than the values in control group (14.6 ± 8.1 mm, TBUT: 12.8 ± 4.8 s) (P