Ophthalmological Study of A-bomb Survivors Using a New Ophthalmic Camera

Summary

Previous ophthalmological studies have shown significant association between A-bomb radiation and posterior subcapsular opacities. However, significant association between A-bomb radiation and cortical opacities was observed only in the 2000–2002 ophthalmological study, involving 837 A-bomb survivors. Due to inconsistent photographic methods, re-analyses of the lens images stored from this study were not possible.

In this research, we will conduct a cataract study among Adult Health Study (AHS) participants (including in utero survivors) who were exposed to A-bomb radiation at the age of 15 or younger, using a standard epidemiological study method now widely employed for investigating cataract. Under the supervision of experts in relevant fields, we will photograph and store digital images of the lenses, using a new, well-suited photographic device under appropriate, controlled photographic conditions. Subsequently, cataract specialists will collectively evaluate stored images for lens opacity and analyze association with radiation exposure.