There are a some pieces of personal protective equipment that are required for staff by hospitals in order to provide radiation protection during certain types of medical procedures. Leaded aprons are the most common, although some institutions require thyroid shields as well. Leaded eyewear has traditionally been optional for anyone working in radiology laboratories. Despite this fact, however, most professionals do actually wear leaded eyewear during certain procedures because of the increased protection it provides against glaucoma and other types of cellular damage that the energy causes. There are a few procedures where protective glasses are used by doctors and technologists nearly every time.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization places doctors and nurses in the room directly next to the patient and the equipment that is emitting x-rays. The catheter must be maneuvered while the doctor stands over the patient in the direct line of the x-rays that will be generated in order to produce the necessary images. This procedure normally requires the most radiation protection possible for everyone in the room. The x-rays are scattered and will approach each person from several angles. There is an increased risk during surgical procedures using this technique because exposure could last for a very long period of time. Leaded eyewear that provides full protection stops x-rays from reaching the eyes, regardless of the angle of the head or the approaching particles.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is an advanced technique that is used to treat many conditions. It is minimally invasive and benefits patients by reducing recovery times while also allowing surgeons to be as precise as possible. Several types of interventional radiology go beyond the x-ray techniques used in cardiac catheterization and rely on larger machines such as a computed tomography (CT) scanner and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. These larger devices emit far more radiation during interventional procedures. Doctors and nurses must still be in the room while the machines are running. This means that sufficient radiation protection is required. Leaded eyewear and gloves should be part of this protective equipment.

Pain Management

Radiation therapies are being used more frequently in the field of pain management. These treatments target bones, tissue and tumors in the body with concentrated blasts of radiation. Doctors and technologists must be in close proximity to the patient in several instances during some of these pain management procedures. Despite the targeted application of the radiation there is still a good amount of scattering in the surrounding area. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to scattered rays and need to be protected in this type of environment. Leaded eyewear that is properly fitted with wrap-around protection will attenuate the radiation and prevent permanent damage to the eyes.