Cataracts and avionic radiations.

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Abstract
Nine cases of hertzian radiation cataracts were reported among personnel working in operational aviation environments, where they were irradiated repeatedly at subliminal nonthermal field intensities. The resultant ocular pathology evolved insidiously and slowly over a period of years in a similar way to other forms of radiational injury. By the time of consultation examination, all had progressed to a relatively late state, exhibiting not only capsular cataract but also vesiculation and opacification of the proximal subcapsular lens substance. Besides the ocular dangers of chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation reference was made to the nonthermal effect or the radiation effect per se, as this may relate to general health, e.g., as a possible previously unsuspected etiological or contributory factor in many other disease processes.