PMID: 11912847Mar 27, 2002Paper

Radiation-induced retinopathy

Journal français d'ophtalmologie
J D Grange

Abstract

Radiation retinopathy is observed after intraocular tumor irradiation (mainly uveal melanomas, retinoblastoma being more seldom) or intracranial tumours radiotherapy. Today radiation retinopathy is also seen after irradiation for choroidal neovascularization observed in age-related macular degeneration. Radiation retinopathy after posterior uveal tumor irradiation will be described. Besides biomicroscopy, fluoresceinic angiography is useful for diagnosis more than treatment which is without efficacy in most cases. Major radiosensitivity of vascular endothelium due to a rapid cell turn over could explain not only radiation maculopathy but also optic disc neuropathy. Radiation doses and tumour location are mainly responsible for macular and/or optic nerve head vascular complications. Moreover, after vascular and tissular retinal complications, choriocapillaris and main choroidal vessels can also be affected after radiotherapy.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Birth Defects

Birth defects encompass structural and functional alterations that occur during embryonic or fetal development and are present since birth. The cause may be genetic, environmental or unknown and can result in physical and/or mental impairment. Here is the latest research on birth defects.