Influence of forehead gap size on eye protection provided by lead eyewear worn over prescription glasses: A Monte Carlo study

Background

Due to exposure to high levels of scattered ionizing radiation, interventional radiology (IR) physicians have an elevated risk of radiation-induced eye injuries and cataracts. Previous studies have evaluated the protective effects of regular lead glasses and recommended measures to improve radiation protection for the eyes. However, the protective effects of fit-over eyewear-lead eyewear worn over prescription glasses-have not been thoroughly examined. Importantly, a previous study noted that the space required to accommodate prescription glasses may reduce eye protection.

Purpose

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to quantify the protective effects of fit-over eyewear and assess the relative effectiveness of adding bottom shields to conventional lead eyewear to improve eye protection.

Methods