Evaluation of radiation protection by lead glasses for interventional radiology physicians wearing prescription glasses: considering dose reduction by prescription glasses excluding lead.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced the occupational eye lens dose limit to 20 mSv/year. Interventional radiology (IR) physicians are frequently exposed to high levels of scattered X-rays, and radiation protection tools, including lead glasses, are used for minimizing exposure. However, the effectiveness of lead eyewear for radiation workers who wear prescription glasses (e.g. over-glasses-type eyewear) has not been comprehensively investigated. This study evaluated the shielding effectiveness of over-glasses-type eyewear worn over plastic prescription glasses through phantom experiments. Furthermore, the dose reduction provided by the plastic lenses and front frame of the prescription glasses (excluding lead) was assessed. The over-glasses-type eyewear demonstrated high shielding effectiveness, with average shielding rates of 0.72-0.74 and 0.74-0.80 for the left and right eyes, respectively, against radiation incident from the lower left oblique, as typically encountered in clinical settings. In contrast, the plastic lenses of prescription glasses provided <9% dose reduction when it irradiated with 80- and 120-kV X-rays, indicating minimal contribution to eye protection. The plastic front frame offered a 14% reduction at 80 kV and 11% at 120 kV. These findings suggest that the front frame of the prescription glasses contributes to photon attenuation and improves overall shielding. However, the improper fit of over-glasses-type eyewear may lead to gaps, compromising its shielding effectiveness. To minimize gaps and optimize protection, IR physicians should select over-glasses-type eyewear that fits securely over prescription glasses. Additionally, combining protective tools is essential for effective eye protection.