FITOVERS® Radiation Glasses With Side Shields

X-ray technologists are at risk of exposure to scatter radiation while performing diagnostic imaging procedures. Scatter radiation is a type of radiation that is emitted in various directions, rather than directly at the target area, and can potentially expose nearby organs and structures to radiation. One of the ways to minimize this exposure is by using appropriate shielding and limiting the amount of radiation used during the procedure.

Another important measure to protect against scatter radiation is for the X-ray technologist to wear protective eyewear. The eyewear, also known as radiation protective eyewear, is specifically designed to protect the eyes from scatter radiation. They are made of materials such as lead or tungsten that can effectively block or absorb the radiation before it reaches the eyes.

Wearing protective eyewear is especially important for X-ray technologists who frequently perform procedures in fluoroscopy or interventional radiography. This is because the higher the radiation dose, the greater the risk of developing cataracts or other eye problems. Additionally, even low levels of radiation exposure over an extended period of time can still increase the risk of developing eye problems and even cataracts.

It is important to note that the use of protective eyewear is not only important for the technologist but also for any other healthcare professional in the room during the procedure.  

In conclusion, protective eyewear is an essential piece of personal protective equipment for X-ray technologists. It is important for employers to provide and enforce the use of radiation protective eyewear to minimize the risk of exposure to scatter radiation and protect the health of their employees.

There is an old poster hanging on the wall at the National Safety Council that says "Foresight Saves Eyesight." This old saying applies perfectly to today's X-ray Technologist and other Radiology Workers. Given what we now know today about how radiation affects the eye, it is absolutely critical to be prepared with a pair of Protective lead glasses.  This particular "best practice" is necessary to prevent the development of cataracts later in life. Research shows that the threshold for acceptable levels of radiation for the human eye is just 10 percent of what we thought it was a few years ago. That's a pretty steep change in acceptable exposure. Shielding your eyes from radiation is a must and, fortunately, you don't have to wear those clunky ol’ glasses that were sold decades ago.  Today, there are many varieties of radiation glasses that offer you comfort, visibility and great style. Browse them all on our easy to use website.  

What is Pupillary Distance?

Pupillary distance (PD) measures the distance between the centers of your pupils. This measurement is used to determine where you look through the lens of your glasses and should be as accurate as possible. The average adult’s PD is between 54-74 mm; kids are between 43-58 mm. Your eye doctor will usually measure your PD during an eye exam. However, if it was not given to you, the below 5 steps will help you measure it yourself.

How to Measure Your PD?

1. Stand 8 in. away from a mirror.
2. Hold a ruler against your brow.
3. Close your right eye then align the ruler’s 0 mm with the center of your left pupil.
4. Look straight then close your left eye and open your right eye.
5. The mm line that lines up to the center of your right pupil is your PD.

Why is Pupillary Distance Important?

Every set of prescription lenses has an “optical center,” which is determined by pupillary distance. This distance is used to determine where you look through the lens of your glasses and should be as accurate as possible. Your prescription may tell you your PD. But if the PD is not available use your friend or a mirror to help you figure it out.

Armed with your PD and prescription, you can shop atZ&Z Medical Glasses to find your perfect pair of Prescription Radiation Safety Glasses. If you have a question, you can always email info@zzmedical.com.

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.

We hear the problems that Radiologists and technologists face on a regular basis and we work hard to try to solve those problems. It’s no secret that the lens of the eye is one of the most sensitive parts of the body when it comes to radiation. Over the last few years, numerous studies have provided great insights in the development of cataracts as a response to radiation exposure. In fact, the International Commission on Radiation Protection lowered the threshold requirement from 5 Gy to 0.5 Gy. Imaging professionals are at a high risk of developing cataracts if they don't wear protective radiation glasses.

But the problem in the past has been heavy bulky glasses that are not comfortable or slip off your nose while working. Today’s protective eyewear is comfortable and practical AND provides you the best radiation protection for the eyes!

Phillips Safety protective eyewear lenses provide .75mm Pb equivalency, more than adequate shielding from scatter radiation.  Phillips Safety radiation protection eyewear provides a higher level of comfort due to their lighter weight and soft padding. We have a wide variety of glasses, weighing as light as 60 grams, and several that can be worn for long periods of time without any discomfort.  Of course, you can always order our glasses made to fit your prescription. Finally, our glasses can be ordered with an anti-fog capability as well.

Check out our many choices of glasses that protect and that are also comfortable!

Radiography is vital to the best practice of veterinary medicine because it enables the understanding and diagnosis of and informs the treatment of a variety of health issues. Accompanying these benefits, however, are risk factors associated with radiation exposure, which every veterinary professional should take seriously.

Veterinary technicians are particularly at risk, as they are typically responsible for capturing X-ray images, or radiographs, of their animal patients. They need to carefully position the animal to obtain an accurate image, often needing to secure a squirming patient to get the best image. Lead gloves protect the holder from scatter radiation. Even when an animal is sedated and positioning devices are used, X-rays still scatter in all directions. Effective radiation safety requires a commitment from veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as any other personnel who work in proximity to radiology equipment because even small doses add up. It’s very important to wear lead aprons, thyroid collars, glasses and gloves anytime you have to hold an animal for an x-ray examination.

For a veterinary technician, obtaining a radiograph is a routine assignment, and the cumulative effects of daily exposure to small amounts of radiation are a serious concern. Well-documented evidence states that radiation exposure has long-term health consequences. Radiation safety philosophy is based on the conservative assumption that radiation dose and its biological effects on living tissues are modeled by a relationship known as the linear hypothesis.  Simply put, every radiation dose of any magnitude can produce some level of detrimental effects that may include increased risk of genetic mutations and cancer. So you can’t take radiation exposure lightly.

Lower the dose with the ALARA principle

Steps can be taken to ensure that doses are as low as reasonably achievable. The ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle aims to lower radiation doses in the workplace by leveraging practical, cost-effective measures. To maintain doses as low as reasonably achievable, veterinary staff should follow three simple safety principles:¹

• Time: Use the shortest exposure time possible, limit time in the X-ray suite, and avoid retakes by using your technique chart.
• Distance: Stay as far away from the radiation source as practical by using sedation to allow for the use of sandbags and other nonmanual restraints as well as hands-free methods.
• Shielding: Use materials like lead aprons, gloves, glasses, and thyroid shields, as well as permanent barriers to protect from scatter X-rays.

Consider lower-dose digital imaging

One way to reduce radiation exposure is to replace older, film-based X-ray equipment with a digital radiography system. Compared to conventional X-ray equipment, digital imaging provides sharper, higher-resolution images with less radiation exposure. Digital radiography isn’t new, but it has advanced considerably in recent years. Manufacturers are working to lower the radiation dose veterinary professionals and patients receive through solutions such as new lower-dose veterinary radiography systems. These systems enable low-dose radiation image capture without sacrificing clear, high-quality images. 

Visit the Veterinary Category on our website to see all the supplies and accessories that Z&Z has to offer.  If you live in Iowa or are close by, visit our wide array of Veterinary X-Ray Equipment.