Annul radiation dose limits to the lens of the eye are prescribed to prevent which of the following?

• A. cataractogenesis
• B. sarcomagenesis
• C. teratogenesis
• D. carcinogenesis

Answer: (A)

The lens is highly sensitive to ionizing radiation, and exposure can cause cataracts to form. This is a deterministic effect, meaning there is a dose threshold: once the radiation dose to the lens exceeds that threshold, opacities develop and vision is affected, with greater doses leading to a higher likelihood and severity of cataracts. Because the eye’s lens cannot readily reverse these changes, limits are set to keep exposure below the threshold and prevent cataract formation.

The other outcomes—sarcomagenesis (cancer of connective tissues), teratogenesis (birth defects), and carcinogenesis (cancer)—are not the primary concern for the lens in this context. While radiation can increase cancer risk elsewhere, the lens-specific risk that drives dose limits is cataract formation.