Possible associations between computed tomography scan and cataract: The Blue Mountains Eye Study

Objectives. This study examined possible associations between the presence of cataract and a history of computed tomography (CT) scan of the head in a n older population. Methods. The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 people aged 49 to 97 ye ars who lived west of Sydney, Australia. As part of a medical history, part icipants were asked whether they had ever had a head CT scan. Masked gradin g of lens photographs assessed cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Results. No significant associations were found between history of head CT scan and age- and sex-specific prevalence of any type of cataract. Conclusions. This study provided no evidence to support an association betw een routine head CT scans and development of cataract.