What are the side-effects of radiation?
If you receive plaque radiotherapy or proton beam radiotherapy, any side-effects will be limited to the region of the eye itself. Within the eye, these can include: • Fluid leakage from the tumour, this fluid accumulating within or beneath the retina, causing retinal detachment; • Closure of the blood vessels within the optic nerve or retina; • Cataract; • The formation of delicate blood vessels, which have a tendency to bleed into the eye; and • The formation of blood vessels on the iris, which prevent fluid outflow from the eye, resulting in elevation of the intraocular pressure (glaucoma). Outside the eye, these can consist of: • Loss of lashes in the treated area; • Redness of the eye; • Watering or dryness of the eye; Before your treatment, you will be told of the chances of developing any of these side-effects. You should not lose your hair or develop any general side effects as a result of radiation.
