Human eyes, especially the lenses, are sensitive to X-ray radiation. According to a recent study [1], the vulnerability to radiation damage is highly variable for different people. There is no safe amount of radiation for the eyes. Cataract development after radiation injury may be substantial. There is a documented higher rate of lens damage in doctors and support staff working with radiation. Radiation can also damage the iris, sclera, conjunctiva, and retinal blood vessels and cause other short-term or long-term issues.
Radiation Safety Glasses
Radiation safety glasses are made of special materials that absorb harmful radiation like X-rays. Lead is a common material used in radiation protection. According to the Health Physics Society [2], most lead garments contain 0.5 millimeter thick of lead and can shield diagnostic X-rays by 90 to 95 percent. Radiation safety glasses often contain materials that are 0.5 or 0.75 millimeter lead equivalent. The thicker the glasses are, the more protection they provide. Being lead equivalent, radiation safety glasses are much heavier than regular glasses. For example, a pair of radiation safety glasses may weigh about 60 to 80 grams. These glasses can be custom-made with prescription strengths, eliminating the necessity to wear two pairs of glasses at the same time.
Who Needs Radiation Safety Glasses
For those who work with radioactive materials and X-ray machines, it is a good practice to wear radiation safety glasses. Occupational radiation adds up easily. If you are a patient receiving radiation procedures, you may also ask your doctor and see if a pair of radiation safety glasses would benefit you, especially if you have a family history of eye diseases.
[1] https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tvir.2017.12.005
[2] https://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/faqs/leadgarmentsfaq.html
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Health & Medical