Professionals working in the radiology departments usually use protective equipment such as aprons, vests, and gloves. However, radiologists and fluoroscope technicians only started protecting their eyes recently after discovering the risks of radiation exposure. Unfortunately, some would experience eye problems such as cataracts at a young age due to the impact of radiation. But things have changed, and many people now recognize the risks and the need to use radiation protection glasses.
Several developed countries have strict laws to protect medical professionals from exposure to radiation. However, the law does not necessarily require medical professionals to use eye protection equipment in the United States. Although safety glasses may not be mentioned in workplace policies, professionals working in radiology departments should consider investing in quality radiation safety glasses to avoid exposing their eyes to X-rays. Regularly using safety glasses can prevent cataracts and other eye issues that could lead to blindness. This guide will highlight critical factors that can help medical professionals select the right safety glasses depending on their unique needs.
Professionals Who Need Radiation Safety Glasses
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Safety glasses are important for anyone exposed to X-rays during their regular duties, regardless of the exposure duration. Therefore, doctors, technicians, and radiologists who operate a fluoroscope need to invest in quality safety equipment, including radiation safety glasses. Hospitals that do not have relevant policies to encourage medical professionals to use safety glasses increase the risk of exposing these professionals to eye problems after long-term exposure.
Medical professionals should understand that regular glasses cannot protect them against radiation, emphasizing the need for appropriate safety gear. Therefore, professionals should visit kempermedical.com and buy these safety glasses regardless of whether they are required to have them in their organization. But are radiology professionals the only people required to wear protective gear? Many health-related occupations expose employees to radiation risks. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons, urology lab professionals, pain management doctors, and veterinarians should consider using glasses.
How Does Radiation Harm the Vision?
Generally, the radiation can damage the iris, conjunctiva, sclera, and blood vessels in the retina. A small dose of radiation could also lead to permanent damage to the lens, resulting in blindness. The radiation could also cause the development of abnormal cells in the eye lens. The cells mutate over time, leading to the death of normal cells and cloudy eyes or cataracts. Although cataracts can be treated, medical professionals should take proactive measures to prevent cataracts caused by radiation. Since medical professionals use X-rays for diagnosis and monitoring during treatment, it is crucial to use protective clothing and accessories to protect the eyes and other body parts from harm.
Occupational Radiation Limits
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The Nuclear Regulatory Committee establishes a safe radiation limit where the apparent injury caused by ionizing radiation is unlikely during a normal lifetime. Going beyond the maximum permissible exposure could lead to health challenges caused by radiation. Therefore, medical professionals handling radiology equipment must strive to minimize the radiation dose and maintain the required limits.
Some organizations require medical professionals to use monitoring devices to measure radiation exposure to the entire body and unshielded locations near the eyes to calculate an accurate lens dose equivalent. Quality safety glasses protect the lenses from ionizing radiation from X-ray machines and other devices typically used in medical facilities. Generally, there is a standard threshold dose beyond which the severity of the radiation effect increases with the dose. Tissue reactions such as skin erythema might occur following exposure to radiation. If the radiation affects the lens of the eyes, late tissue reactions, such as cataracts, may occur but can be traced back to the effect of the exposure.
How Safety Glasses Protect the Eyes From Radiation
Quality radiation safety glasses use special glass that provides reliable protection, like a 0.75 mm thick lead sheet. The glass can attenuate X-rays radiation that would otherwise reach the eyes and cause damage over time. Using safety glasses regularly minimizes the risk of developing cataracts, blindness, and other issues associated with radiation exposure. Since these eye problems are caused by cumulative long-term exposure, medical professionals should always use ocular protection even if they do not engage in radiology and fluoroscopy processes regularly.
What about the visual clarity when using radiation safety glasses? These glasses are made of specialized material that offers visual clarity while protecting professionals from radiation risks. Therefore, medical professionals concerned about vision clarity have no reason to worry.
Tips to Choose the Best Radiation Safety Glasses
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The proper safety glasses guarantee effectiveness, safety, and comfort. Therefore, buyers should compare different frame styles and pick one that ticks all the boxes. For example, professionals should balance their preferred frame style and its suitability to their task. Therefore, anyone entering and leaving radiation rooms or handling radiation equipment from different angles should invest in oversized glasses and other protective equipment. A radiation facemask can also be helpful for people who regularly handle radiation-producing devices. The facemask is comfortable and can be used over the glasses or with contact lenses when necessary. However, if X-ray radiation does not come from different sources, the safety glasses with standard frames provide adequate protection.
Comfort is another crucial factor to consider. Goggles or wrap-around frames are not only comfortable but also offer lateral protection. Some people need radiation glasses with prescription lenses, which they can use throughout the day without changing glasses. Others are too heavy and often slide down the nose when the user shifts their head when performing tasks. Therefore, avoid too heavy or light frames that might strain the nose or ears. Instead, choose firm and comfortable frames with aesthetic features. Remember to consider durability because the glasses are relatively expensive. Nobody wants safety glasses that will fall and break easily. The leading safety glass suppliers always provide comfortable, lightweight options to match user preferences.
People handling radiation-related tasks should take measures to protect their bodies, including the eyes, from radiation exposure. Even though some organizations do not require employees to wear protective glasses, it is advisable to buy them to protect the eyes. The reputable radiation safety glass suppliers provide quality glasses with different styles and configurations. The buyers can choose between different frame designs, including goggles, wraparound, metal, economy, fit-over, plastic and designer frames. Therefore, buyers can always find a design that works for them.
