A preliminary evaluation of the implementation of a radiation protection program for the lens of the eye in Korean nuclear power plants

Epidemiological research has revealed that radiation exposure can cause cataracts. The Korean nuclear regulatory body has proposed the reduction of the occupational dose limit for the lens of the eye from 150 mSv/y to 100 mSv/5y, with an additional limitation of not exceeding 50 mSv/y for a specific year, taking into account the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. This means that radiation workers should receive the same level of radiation safety for the lens of the eye as for whole-body protection. Korean nuclear power plants (NPPs) are conducting research to establish the radiation protection program for the lens of the eye. In terms of the preliminary results of the implementation of the radiation protection program for the lens of the eye dedicated to Korean NPPs, this review article summarizes the current state of understanding of the regulations, technical guidance, eye lens dosimeters, and radiation field conditions resulting in lens dose.