Radiotherapy and Cataract Formation

In the past five decades, the treatment options for intraocular tumors have expanded from one surgical option of enucleation to numerous regimens including radiotherapy. Radiotherapy has proven to be as efficacious in controlling the malignant lesion; however, normal ocular structures can also be affected. The lens is radio-sensitive and therefore the development of post radiation cataract commonly impairs vision and the ability to monitor tumor recurrence. Prevalence, severity, onset, and prognosis of radiation-induced cataract depend highly on the dose and rate of radiation. Recently, additional studies have given insight into this important relationship and the efficacy of treatment options.