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236 R a d i u m
I he rays are unfiltered. and therefore *oft beams give the desired superficial
effect before a harmful quantity of hard rays enter the orbit. The
truth of the latter statement is now becoming apparent. Within the last
few weeks we have learned that ihe lens of the radiated eye in case
Xo. i is developing an opacity,* which is so unlike an ordinary' cataract,
that we must conclude that the amount of ]>enetrating beta and gamma
rays is an important ctiologic factor. Case Xo. 2 is additional evidence.
Dr. Arnold Knapp, consulting ophthalmologist, is now investigating this
problem, in order to definitely prove or disprove the relation.
Case Xo. 2. Male, age 73. was referred to the -clinic June 23rd,
1920. for a growth of the conjunctiva that commenced as a pink nodule
about one year before. Dr. Knapp examined the case and considered
it acanthoma. The tumor measured i!jxi cm., and covered the medial
half of the cornea, extending for about 1 cm. on to the sclera. It was
a firm consistence, greyish-red in color, slightly ulcerated and fixed to
the limbic area but not involving the anterior chamber. Vision was partially
obstructed.
Treatment. Two silver tubes were placed 1 mm. from the lesion.
A dosage of 03 millicurie hours was given. Regression was complete in
six week*.
Comment. Two years later there was no evidence of tumor. However.
Dr. Knapp examined the patient at this time and discovered opacities
in the lens and a partial optic atrophy. In six months, the vision
was entirely destroyed in this eye by a well developed glaucoma, the
pain of which was relieved by an operation that had no effect on vision.
Case Xo. 3. Male, age 39. was first observed on May 28th. 1920.
His previous history was no; significant. The eye lesion commenced
five years before, and grew very slowly. Six weeks prior to coming
to the hospital an operation was i>crformed. There was a prompt recurrence
in ihe scar. The lesion measured 1x0.5 cm*., and overlapped the
limbus on the lateral half of the eye. It was papillary in type and not
ulcerated. An examination of ihe tissue removed at operation, showed a
papillary acanthoma.
Treatment. One silver tube was applied for a dosage of 50 millicurie
hours. Following this ihe patient was lost lo the clinic for nearly
2 years. When next seen, on April 25th. 1022, there was a small recurrence
on the cornea, close to the site of the original tumor. This was
treated on two occasions with the unfiltered bulb, causing a prompt regression
which has lasted for 1 2 '3 years. Vision is perfect.
Comment. In spite of careful application of the silver tube, sufficient
accuracy was not obtained to produce a permanent regresison. This
difficulty has been obviated by the introduction of the bulb.
Case Xo. 4. Male, age 62. About one year before applying for
treatment, a pink growth appeared on the eye. This grew so rapidly
that vision was gone completely in about eight months. Then several
operation* were performed, but all were unsuccessful. Microscopic
diagnosis was acanthoma. Patient now (July 7th, 1921) presents a
greyish-white finely nodular tumor, measuring J< cm. in diameter, and
•Bjce. "orkln? 'n ihe Memorial Hospital researchlaboratory, has reported on