Cataracts after Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Lymphoproliferative Disease of the Ocular Adnexa

Purpose: To investigate the interval between low-dose radiotherapy and radiation-induced cataracts, and the factors affecting this interval, in patients with lymphoproliferative disease of the ocular adnexa. Methods: A retrospective case series of 73 eyes of 59 patients who underwent radiotherapy from 1996 to 2005 with total doses ranging from 24 to 30 Gy was conducted. We investigated the relationships between the radiation-associated cataract formation intervals and age, gender, diabetes, and the use of corticosteroids. Results: The mean interval was 36 months. None of the patients with lens shield developed cataracts. Age was inversely and significantly and gender was not significantly associated with the interval from first radiotherapy to cataract occurrence. The intervals did not differ significantly according to the presence of diabetes and corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: The mean interval from the start of radiation therapy to radiation-related cataract formation was 36 months and age was a significant factor affecting this interval.