Radiation Protection

Leaded glasses, or radiation glasses, protect your eyes from the harmful effects of radiation. Since our eyes are one of the most radiation-sensitive areas on our bodies, they must be protected whenever you’re operating, or around the operation, of machines such as: Radiographs, Fluoroscopes, X-rays, Irradiators, Electronic Microscopes, and Particle Accelerators. This is why many brands, like Phillips, specialize in making high-quality lead glasses. As technology keeps advancing, safety glasses have to change too Ophthalmologists and researchers stay up to date, creating leaded glasses to meet the ever-changing needs of Medical Imaging 

In 2020, all prescription and non-prescription leaded glasses must have CE1020 approval. In order to have this certification, leaded glasses have to be equipped with high quality .75mm lead equivalency lenses. If a pair has side shields, they must have .5mm Pb lead equivalency as well. These requirements are necessary for radiation glasses, but other qualities like comfort, fit, and style are also a factor when shopping for safety glasses.

What to Look For

If you are shopping for radiation protective eyewear, there are some important qualities that you should look for. You want them to be adjustable and comfortable in order to avoid unnecessary drops, which can damage the frame or cause scratches on your lenses. Look for frames that are built from a strong material, such as durable nylon, and which fit your head size correctly. Remember, not all leaded glasses fit every head shape. Most frames are built to fit different sizes. 

You’ll also want your pair to be as lightweight as possible, because of how long you’ll be wearing them. Most users need to wear leaded glasses for long periods of time, so if you feel pressure under your eyes, on your cheek, or other noticeable pressure from your glasses, they may be too heavy for extended use. If your glasses also fall down your nose when you look down, that can be a sign that your glasses don’t fit well and are too heavy for your face.

If you are looking for prescription leaded glasses, not all types can be made in your prescription.  If you don’t see an option in our drop-down menu for upgrades to a prescription, it is not available for that model. For radiation glasses that can be made in your prescription, you have the option of single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.  For some models, you can also add the popular anti-fog technology, for clearer vision. 

Below, we have put together a list of the top leaded safety glasses. All of these models include the distortion-free SF-6 Schott Glass radiation-reducing lenses with .75mm lead equivalency and are CE certified.

Top Leaded Glasses

1. RG-33: One of the better fit-over and cost-friendly models on our list, this fits very well for most head sizes. They tend to be a little on the bulkier side, but this just means that they fit over a more varied set of prescription eyewear. You can expect this pair to be incredibly sturdy for its lightweight design and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. 
2. RG-15011-BKC: If you are looking for style with your safety, this frame is a great option. This sleek, rectangular frame provides a clean look, but with bold lines that look good on any face shape. With its wide design, it fits best on medium to large heads. Not only will this frame look good on you, but it can also protect your eyes from radiation from almost any angle as they are equipped with built-in, permanent side shields for added protection.
3. RG-Q100: This model is another stylish model on our list that fits the most smaller head sizes. This model features a more rounded shape, also with built-in sides shields. It’s great for people who require improved peripheral vision in their leaded glasses, as this model’s design allows for a wider range of view than other options.
4. F126: The range of vision on these glasses is greater than many competing models on our list as the lenses are significantly taller and wider. Many glass working artists prefer this pair because of the excellent color recognition they get from the larger range of vision it gives. With its stylish industrial design, this pair fits very well for most larger head sizes and features side shields for that added bit of protection.
5. Nike Brazen: The Nike Brazen is great for professionals in the medical field thanks to its incredible balance. While a little heavier than other leaded glasses, the Brazen will sit snuggly on your face and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is why professionals doing delicate, time-consuming work, such as surgeons, prefer the Brazen. The ventilated nose bridge helps prevent fog build-up inside the frame, providing superior vision throughout the day, no matter how humid your work environment is.
6. RG-Q200: Similar to the Q100, these glasses are lightweight, wraparound frame, that features removable leaded side shields for added eye protection. They fit very well on most head shapes as the frame material is flexible, but still durable. For added comfort, the rubber-coated temple bars sit comfortably against your head, and the saddle bridge nose pad provides slip resistance from sweat.
7. RG- J136: The J136 is another great option for surgeons with medium to large head sizes. Similar to the Nike Brazen, these glasses are well-balanced frame that makes for a comfortable fit throughout the day. This model comes with an adjustable nose piece and are one of few frames on our list that can be made with prescription lenses, providing a clear view of your work. 
8. Nike Premier: These glasses come in an assortment of solid colors; colors like matte tortoise, matte anthracite, matte black, cool grey/wolf grey, light bone, black/silver, dark grey. This model features an inlay nose pad that provides extra grip to your nose and face. Because of how the temples are slimmed down, this model can retain a strong grip on most head sizes. 

Buying your Next Pair

Choosing a pair of Leaded Glasses can be a daunting prospect with many parameters to keep in mind. We hope that our list helped you in making your selection and provided you with the information that you need to stay safe in your work. You can find any of these frames on our website along with our full selection of other specialty glasses. For any questions about picking the right pair for you, or determining the best fit for your needs, please reach out to one of Customer Service Specialists at info@zzmedical.com who can provide you with the best and most up-to-date information possible.

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

As a radiology professional, protecting the thyroid gland from scatter and direct radiation is crucial. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat that uses iodine to produce hormones regulating heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and calcium levels in the blood. Given the risk factors for thyroid cancer, including radiation exposure and family history, it’s important to minimize these risks using thyroid collars.

Thyroid shields are highly effective in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer from radiation exposure during procedures. They can decrease the effective dose by 2.5 times and cut total exposure by nearly 50%. To ensure adequate protection, these shields should have at least 0.5-mm lead equivalent thickness for neck and thyroid protection.

However, some healthcare professionals wear thyroid shields loosely or not at all. Wearing the shield snugly is essential for optimal protection. Regular inspections for damage are also important, much like those conducted for aprons.

Although the exact risk of scattered radiation to the thyroid is still unknown, protecting this gland is vital due to its susceptibility to scatter radiation when a shield is not worn. For more detailed information, refer to the American Thyroid Association's Policy Statement on Thyroid Shielding During Diagnostic Medical and Dental Radiology.

Z&Z Medical offers a variety of thyroid collar styles designed for maximum protection and comfort in the field of radiology, including a magnetic thyroid collar that prevent hair tangling.

Visit our website today to order your own personal thyroid collar.

Guardian Radiation Protection is at the forefront of innovation, continually improving products to meet the demands of Radiology professionals. One such advancement is the integration of upper shoulder plastic pouch designed to hold a color-coded size label. This simple yet effective feature revolutionizes the way radiology aprons are managed, making it easier to find the correct size without incurring additional costs.

Enhancing Efficiency with Color-Coded Size Labels: The introduction of a plastic pouch on the upper shoulder of radiation protection garments allows for quick and easy identification of sizes. By sliding in a color-coded label, radiology workers can immediately recognize the appropriate size without rummaging through multiple garments. This not only saves time but also saves money buying multiple colored aprons.

Cost-Effective Solution” Traditionally, implementing organizational systems often comes with added expenses. However, Guardian Radiation Protection's innovative design incorporates this labeling system without additional costs. The plastic pouch is a FREE built-in feature. This cost-effective approach benefits both large hospitals and smaller clinics.

Benefits of Guardian Radiation Protection's Design

1. Quick Identification: The clear visibility of size labels reduces the time spent searching for the correct garment, allowing radiology professionals to focus more on patient throughput
2. Cost Savings: By integrating this feature into the garment design, Guardian eliminates the need for extra expenditures on multiple colored aprons.
3. Durability: The plastic pouch is designed to withstand regular use and cleaning, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

Guardian Radiation Protection continues to lead the way in innovative solutions for radiology protection. The integration of upper shoulder plastic pouch for color-coded size labels exemplifies their commitment to efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This small yet impactful feature simplifies the workflow for radiology professionals, ensuring they can quickly and easily find the right size without added time or expenses. As radiology departments strive for excellence, Guardian's thoughtful designs make a significant difference in daily operations. Visit our website to purchase your Guardian Apron today. And Don’t forget ALL Guardian Aprons come with a FREE Thyroid Collar!

By now, you absolutely know just how sensitive your eyes are to radiation. The International Commission on Radiological Protection changed its estimates on the threshold of absorbed dose to just 0.5 Gy. There's nothing more important than proper x-ray eye protection. Fortunately, you have a wide selection of options at Z&Z Medical!

The Dangers of Radiation Exposure to the Eyes

The development of cataracts is the biggest risk of radiation exposure to the eyes. Cataracts are the result of rapid aging in the eyes, and can lead to obscured vision or even blindness, depending on the severity of the condition. Since the ICRP reduced their recommended dose, the medical community has been urged to take greater precautions. The recommended reduction is over seven times the amount of exposure, highlighting the need for all technologists and Radiology personnel to wear better protective eyewear.

Scatter Radiation Protection For Your Eyes

Radiation glasses provide superior shielding during fluoroscopic procedures so you can be sure you're protected from scatter radiation. Glasses today are lightweight and don’t slip during long procedures. All glasses come with an adjustable croaky, cleaning cloth, and safety case.

Not Sure? Try It First!

If you're not sure that a particular pair of radiation glasses is right for you, that's not a problem. Try them for 20 days and return them for a 100% refund if for some reason they don’t fit your needs. Try out a non-prescription pair of frames and see if they fit your needs before you commit. After all, you'll be wearing this pair of glasses for a long time, so you'll want to make sure they're the best fit possible.

Whatever you do, don't hesitate to get the best possible protection for your eyes. Radiation safety glasses are an absolute must, especially when working around scatter radiation. Z&Z Medical is here to help you with selecting the best pair of radiation protection glasses on the market. Let us know if you have any questions on how we can assist you with the purchase of your new glasses.