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Ionizing radiation from tinted single vision spectacle lenses
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Some eyeglasses use thorium for tinting, emitting low-level radiation. While no harm is proven, non-radioactive alternatives exist, making these thorium-laced lenses a potential unnecessary risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiological Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ophthalmic lenses are sometimes tinted using materials containing thorium.
- Thorium and its decay products can emit ionizing radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential risks associated with wearing eyeglasses containing thorium.
- To compare thorium-containing lenses with available non-radioactive alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of materials used in tinted ophthalmic lenses.
- Assessment of radiation emission from lenses containing thorium.
- Review of existing literature on radiation exposure and tissue damage.
Main Results:
- Lenses tinted with thorium or its decay products emit small amounts of ionizing radiation.
- No direct tissue damage has been conclusively linked to wearing these eyeglasses.
- Non-radioactive tinted lenses are widely available.
Conclusions:
- Wearing thorium-containing ophthalmic lenses may pose an unnecessary radiation risk.
- The presence of ionizing radiation, even at low levels, warrants consideration.
- Safer, non-radioactive alternatives should be preferred.