Evaluation of radiation exposure upon visual organs during a head CT scan

Abstract

In order to analyze and compare the absorbed radiation dose and dose rate of visual organs (eyes, corneas, and lenses) of the head with the surrounding areas of the head during CT scans, a mathematical head phantom was created. In addition, the amount of radiation exposure reduced when using an eye shield was also analyzed. According to the results, it was found that the absorbed dose was highest when using 120 kV (as compared to 80 kV and 100 kV) and the absorbed dose rate of the visual organs compared to the head was about 1.35% for the eyes, 0.9% for the corneas, and 0.095% for the lenses. Finally, it was shown that the dose reduction rate of each organ when using an eye shield was about 24% for the eyes, about 22% for the corneas, and more than 40% for the lenses.