The case for radioprotective eyewear/facewear. Practical implications and suggestions

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Protection

Background:

• Radiologists performing fluoroscopic procedures face ocular radiation exposure.
• Eyeglass lenses often contain high atomic number elements for refractive index, incidentally providing X-ray attenuation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the X-ray transmission and scatter reduction capabilities of various commercially available eyeglass lens materials.
• To assess the contribution of secondary scatter from the head to ocular radiation exposure during fluoroscopy.

Main Methods:

• Measured direct transmission ratios of 32 lens materials using a hardened 80 kVp X-ray beam.
• Quantified scatter radiation to the eye through and around lenses using a head phantom and ion chamber.

Main Results:

• Transmission ratios varied widely (3% to 98%) across tested lens materials.
• Secondary scatter from the radiologist's head was found to be a significant contributor to ocular radiation dose.

Conclusions:

• Optimal ocular radiation protection during fluoroscopy requires more than just leaded glass eyeglasses.
• Effective protection necessitates appropriate shielding size and shape to minimize scatter exposure to the head and eyes.