Why You Should Protect Your Eyes From Radiation Exposure

 Did you know that exposure to x-ray radiation builds up over time ?  For doctors, technicians and hospital staff, it is extremely important to protect all areas of the body, even from the smallest exposures. One of the most important areas of the human body to protect from x-ray radiation exposure is the eyes. They are very sensitive to x-ray radiation exposure.

There are several risks with leaving the eyes unprotected from x-ray radiation exposure. At the time of unprotected x-ray radiation exposure, most people do not experience any pain.  However, it is very common to experience a dull pain in exposed tissues, including the eyes, within 1 to 3 hours of the x-ray radiation exposure. Exposure to x-ray radiation can also cause swelling and first degree burns.

One of the most damaging threats is the appearance of posterior subscapular cataracts. Posterior subscapular cataracts appear in the back of the membrane surrounding the lens of the eye. These cataracts usually progress very quickly and can lead to significant eyesight damage. Some common symptoms include decrease in eyesight sharpness and focus, loss of ability to see objects in bright sunlight and increased glare. Unfortunately, the effects of posterior subscapular cataracts occur within the first few months.

The best treatment for posterior subscapular cataracts is prevention. Requiring hospital staff, doctors and x-ray technicians to wear lead glasses is an important step to helping prevent x-ray radiation damage to the eyes. Lead glasses can greatly reduce the risk of x-ray radiation exposure to only 2-3%. When purchasing lead safety glasses, it is important to purchase lead safety glasses with a glass lens instead of a plastic lens. Glass lenses are 10 times more effective at preventing exposure to x-ray radiation than plastic lenses.

Lead glasses come in a variety of different styles and designs. In order to give doctors, technicians and hospital staff the most amount of comfort, the frames of lead glasses are adjustable and can be molded to fit a specific face. Many of the frames are also adjustable allowing for the arms of the glasses to be shortened or lengthened. These adjustments help make the glasses more comfortable and prevent them from slipping down the nose. Some lead glasses also come with side shields which provide additional protection for the eyes.

It is always important to remember that when selecting a pair of lead safety glasses, you should purchase glasses that have a lead equivalent of .75mm Pb to ensure satisfactory protection from exposure. With the substantial risks of x-ray radiation exposure, it is critical that every doctor, technician and other healthcare professionals are outfitted with lead glasses when performing an x-ray procedure.