Physical factors determining the utility of radiation safety glasses

Ten types of lenses were tested for their radiation protection properties in three experimental circumstances: (a) Their good geometry (scatter free) attenuation was determined as a function of HVL in a direct x-ray beam. (b) Their dose reducing properties were determined under simulated clinical fluoroscopic conditions, using both ion chambers and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) while the lenses, mounted in frames, were worn by a head phantom. The head was oriented in four different directions to simulate clinical conditions in a fluoroscopic room. (c) Their dose reducing properties were measured with TLD's while the glasses were worn by radiologists during clinical fluoroscopic procedures. Although several of the lenses could attenuate a direct x-ray beam several thousand times, none of the glasses offer more than a factor of 8 reduction in eye exposure when the glasses are worn during fluoroscopy. This is attributed to backscatter from the fluoroscopist's head and deficient lateral shielding. Some of the glasses may even be causing an increase in eye exposure when the TV monitor is located 90 degrees or more from the patient.