Experimentally Observed Cherenkov Light Generation in the Eye During Radiation Therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Patients have reported sensations of seeing light flashes during radiation therapy, even with their eyes closed. These observations have been attributed to either direct excitation of retinal pigments or generation of Cherenkov light inside the eye. Both in vivo human and ex vivo animal eye imaging was used to confirm light intensity and spectra to determine its origin and overall observability.

Methods and materials

A time-gated and intensified camera was used to capture light exiting the eye of a patient undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery in real time, thereby verifying the detectability of light through the pupil. These data were compared with follow-up mechanistic imaging of ex vivo animal eyes with thin radiation beams to evaluate emission spectra and signal i

SUBMITTER: Tendler II 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7161418 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature