Risk of cataract among interventional cardiologists and catheterization lab staff: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk of developing a radiation-induced cataract in interventional cardiologists (ICs).

Background: ICs are forced to radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization procedures. Since the eye lens is one of the most radiosensitive organs in the body, ICs are highly susceptible to develop a radiation-induced cataract.

Method: We performed a systematic literature search of nine electronic databases to retrieve studies that report cataract among interventional cardiologists. Records were screened for eligibility and data were extracted and analyzed using review manager (RevMan) for windows.

Results: Eight studies involving 2559 subjects (exposed ICs = 1224) were included. Posterior lens opacity was significantly higher in ICs relative to the control group (RR= 3.21, 95% CI [2.14, 4.83], P < 0.00001). In contrast, there was no significant difference between both groups in cortical lens opacity (RR= 0.69, 95% CI [0.46, 1.06], P = 0.09) and nuclear opacity (RR= 0.85, 95% CI [0.71, 1.02], P = 0.08).

Conclusion: Interventional cardiologists are at high risk of developing radiation-induced cataract; therefore, protective measures with high safety rates should be implied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: cataract; interventional cardiologists; meta-analysis; radiation.