One of the most important areas of the human body to protect from x-ray radiation exposure is the eyes. The lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues and are very sensitive to x-ray radiation exposure.

One of the biggest threats is the appearance of posterior subscapular cataracts, which can lead to significant eyesight damage (e.g. decrease in eyesight sharpness, loss of ability to see objects in bright sunlight).

As every medical professional should already know, the best treatment for posterior subscapular cataracts and all the other threats regarding vision impairment (loss), is the prevention.

There are 3 things you need to remember as a medical professional when it comes to the prevention:

• Use the optimal position of X-ray tube under the patient table.
• If you can, use ceiling-mounted screens during all procedures.
• Use appropriately fitting lead eyewear for protection.

You should wear lead protection glasses all the time. It’s good to develop a habit wearing them and have them always on. To be even more effective, you can combine lead eyewear with scatter-shielding screens.

Lead Shielding

Lead shielding refers to the method of using lead to protect your eyes from radiation. Lead does this effectively because of its density and large number of electrons so that it can attenuate the gamma and x-rays.

According to NCBI, a pair of glasses with a lead equivalent of 0.5 mm Pb are recommended. (view the source). According to another study, neuroradiologists should always wear radiation protection glasses. (view the source)

The transparent nature of a lead glass allows the wearer to see clearly while being assured of complete protection from X-rays in potentially risky fields of medical, research and technical work. Thus, protecting your eyes from ionizing radiation is very important. There is a wide range of options for lead shielding, but the primary focus of this article will be the use of lead glasses for protection.

Further on the Importance of Lead Glasses

1. Lead glasses, also known as Radiation Safety Glasses, are manufactured in a way that reduces the amount of radiation passing through the lens of the eye and thereby protecting it from ionization
2. According to the study, ‘Comparing Strategies for Operator Eye Protection in The International Radiography Suite’, published in November 2010, the “use of leaded glass alone reduced the lens dose rate by a factor of 5 to 10.”
3. Much like the lead aprons that are commonly found in x-ray rooms in hospitals, lead glasses reduce radiation exposure and protect the lens of the eye.

Lens of Eye (LDE) Radiation Exposure Limit

The exposure limit for a lens of an eye is 15000 millirem or 0.15 sievert. The lens of the eye is one of the most radiation-sensitive tissues in the body. If the eye lens, which is normally crystal clear, receives a high enough radiation dose, it may become partly cloudy or totally opaque depending on the dose.

Radiation protection agencies have prescribed dose limits to the lens to prevent induction of lens opacity or cataract.

Personal Monitoring

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has specified requirements regarding personal monitoring devices. It has been suggested that medical personnel at potential risk should wear an individual monitoring device to measure the dosage received by the entire body as well as one at an unshielded location close to the eye to provide a precise reading of the lens dose.

Lead glasses prevent the damage to the eyes by shielding your eyes from ionizing radiations. Nowadays, many of the popular eyewear styles are CE Certified for use in radiology and fluoroscopy in Europe – that’s what you’re looking for.

Premium Leaded Glasses

Manufactures of lead glasses like Kemper Medical specialize in providing eye care instruments that include a wide range of premium radiation glasses, apt for hospital, dental practice or x-ray lab usage. They prioritize quality and affordability and offer the best quality glasses at the lowest prices in the market.

You can be assured of the quality of the eyewear as it is made from high-quality core materials. They offer leaded eyewear in both Plano (non-prescription) and prescription styles. Hence, you can find your fit and wear premium leaded glasses from your date of joining to the last day.

There is a wide range of variety in eyewear. From leaded eyewear to protection glasses, there are several.

• Radiation glasses can be worn whenever your eyes are at risk. You can wear these when you encounter a direct beam or scattered radiations.
• Leaded eyewear is essential for anyone who works directly with x-ray emitting equipment. This equipment may include Tradition x-ray machines, Digital X-ray machines, CT scanners, Interventional radiology equipment and more.
• Protective Glasses offer both style and comfort. You can wear them at any time while working at your hospital, dental clinic or a radiology lab.

Conclusion

Our eyes are undeniably the most important organs and without these, even the most routine tasks can become extremely difficult. Our delicate and precious eyes need extremely good care.

As with most cases, prevention is the key. Take our suggestions when you go to find your fit and save your lens from the potential risk!