Harm of high LET radiation to the lens of the human eye

Abstract

The biological effects of ionising radiation vary according to its linear energy transfer (LET) density, with higher LET radiation having stronger biological effects than lower LET radiation at the same absorbed dose. Though we have done more research in the area of radiation effects on the ocular lens, we know little about the effects of high LET on the ocular lens. This article briefly describes the historical changes in the dose limits of the human ocular lens, investigates the epidemiology of high LET radiation eye lens, summarizes various biological experiments of high LET particles, and briefly analyzes the reasons for the high prevalence of cataracts in the plateau. It also discusses the factors that need to be considered in the future research on high LET, aiming to provide valuable information for the future research of high LET eye lens in China.

Abstract

摘要： 眼晶状体是人体对辐射最敏感的组织之一, 电离辐射的生物效应因其传能线密度 (linear energy transfer, LET) 的不同而不同, 同等吸收剂量条件下, 高 LET 辐射生物效应比低 LET 辐射更强, 尽管目前辐射对眼晶状体的影响这一 领域己经有了较多研宄, 但对于高 LET 对眼晶状体的影响知之甚少。本文简述人眼晶状体剂量限值的历史变化情况, 综述各种高 LET 粒子的生物学实验, 调查高 LET 辐射眼晶状体的流行病学, 简要分析高原白内障高患病率的原因, 并 初步讨论未来研宄高 LET 需要考虑的因素, 旨在为国内今后开展高 LET 辐射对人眼晶状体的研宄提供有价值的信息。