Modification of X-ray Damage to the Lens by Partial Shielding

Abstract

We have examined the effect of irradiation of half the lens of the eye of the rabbit on the development of cataract and on the histology of the lens epithelium. Shielding one-half of the lens lessens the damage caused by irradiation in the other half. This lessening of damage, which is made evident by a less severe cataract, fewer nuclear fragments, smaller mitotic overshoot and reduced subsequent cell loss in the irradiated epithelium, does not appear to be due to cell migration from healthy to irradiated area. We suggest that lessening of the damage is caused by diffusion of substances into the irradiated area from other parts of the lens or eye.