Lead Glasses

Radiation protection glasses, often called lead glasses, are protective eyewear that clinicians use to shield against scatter radiation while operating near equipment like X-rays, C-arms, or fluoroscopy. Unlike basic safety glasses, these specialized frames can be fitted with prescription lenses, single vision, multifocal lenses, or even progressive lenses. Many models feature durable polycarbonate lenses or ultra thin high index lenses that remain lightweight yet impact resistant for busy clinical environments. 

Most X-ray glasses are made of lead glass or lead-lined materials in the lenses, while the frames are made of durable nylon or plastic. 

The lead glass in the lenses provides crucial protection to clinicians during high-dose procedures. A review published in 2020 stressed that the eyes are highly sensitive to radiation. Ongoing exposure in radiology or interventional surgery can lead to several adverse health outcomes, including: 

• Cataracts

• Optic neuropathy

• Glaucoma

• Retinopathy

OSHA recommends a maximum occupational radiation dose of 1.25 rem (12.5 mSv) per quarter to the whole body, including the lens of the eyes, to prevent health risks associated with exposure. Wearing lead glasses during procedures where the eyes are heavily exposed significantly reduces radiation doses to keep medical staff members below the recommended limit. 

It’s common to wonder, “Do X-ray glasses really work?” when determining the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear for procedures. Leaded glasses do effectively shield radiation.

A study in the Journal of Interventional Radiology stated that lead glasses with a 0.5 mm lead equivalence or higher can significantly reduce the radiation dose clinicians receive while conducting X-rays. The biggest reduction in the dose was noted for X-ray beams in the same horizontal plane of the eyes. 

The study also mentioned that X-ray glasses' effectiveness rates can be even higher with certain modifications. Those included: 

• Built-in side shields or wrap-around styles to increase coverage to the sides of the face

• Larger vertical sizes to shield scatter radiation coming from directly below the physician

• A reduced gap between the glasses and the face to improve protection from all angles

Different manufacturers will offer lead glasses in varying designs and shapes. It’s best to consult your facility’s radiation safety officer to determine the best design for medical staff members during procedures. 

Radiation protection glasses work. They provide significant benefits over not wearing glasses during procedures where the eyes are heavily exposed to radiation. 

A study from Spine assessed the performance of different types of glasses with 0.75 mm lead equivalence during minimally invasive spine surgery using C-arm-guided fluoroscopy. The three types of glasses evaluated were:

• Traditional lead glasses without side shields

• Lead glasses with side shields

• Wraparound lead glasses

The study showed that each type of lead glasses performed at high effectiveness rates and provided substantially better protection than operating with no glasses. 

Radiation protection rates did vary depending on the angle of the head for each type of glasses, so it’s best to consult with your facility’s radiation safety officer to determine the right style of protective glasses for each procedure. 

A study from Physica Medica found that 0.75 mm lead glasses could reduce the radiation dose to the eyes by 1.6 times. 

Researchers emphasized the importance of wearing protective eyewear during procedures where the eyes are in line with radiation beams. Their findings showed that not wearing PPE could cause clinicians to exceed the 20 mSv annual occupational dose limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

As an alternative, the research from Physica Medica mentioned that a full lead visor had even better radiation-blocking capabilities from all angles. The full lead visor reduced radiation doses to the eyes by 4.5 times in clinical trials. 

However, the study noted that some physicians may still opt for glasses instead because they find them more comfortable, or the full visor could get in the way during certain procedures.

Radiation eyewear costs can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Common factors that influence the X-ray glasses price are: 

• Lead equivalence: Thicker lead glasses will usually cost more. However, a higher lead equivalence tends to provide greater levels of protection, so it’s worth investing in the thickness you need. 

• Modifications: Adding lead side shields often increases the price of protective glasses, but it can be worth providing extra protection to the sides of the head. Additionally, customizing frame colors or adding engravings can increase costs. 

• Brand: Glasses from higher-end or well-known brands often cost more. For example, Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Nike lead glasses are usually more expensive. 

• Prescription needed: Adding a lens prescription can increase lead glasses pricing, but it’s essential for clinicians to be able to see well while operating. Some manufacturers may also offer designs that fit over prescription glasses to help offset that cost, and a study in 2024 showed that fitover designs are effective in clinical trials. 

To give you some example price ranges, 0.5mm lead glasses from Burlington Medical range between $250 to $350 on average. However, brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley tend to cost $350+. 

Alternatively, the average pair of 0.5-0.75 mm lead glasses from Techno-Aide costs $150 to $250. However, Nike lead glasses from Techno-Aide usually cost more than $250. 

Regular maintenance is required to care for lead glasses and keep them as effective as possible. Maintenance should include proper storage, regular cleaning, and annual inspections. 

Storage

Storage is crucial to keep lead glasses in good condition and extend their lifespan. The best option is to store them in protective cases when not in use. The case will look similar to what you’d use for regular prescription eyeglasses. However, lead glasses can be bulkier, so ensure the case is big enough to accommodate their size. Some manufacturers will sell lead glasses with a case, or you can buy them separately. 

Some other storage tips are: 

• Don’t store them in direct sunlight

• Don’t store them in places with high humidity

• Don’t store them in areas where there are frequent or extreme temperature changes

Cleaning

An effective daily cleaning method for lead glasses is to use a disposable sanitizing microfiber cloth. Ensure that the wipes you use don’t streak or leave excessive lint behind. Techno-Aide mentions that each type of lens has specific cleaning instructions: 

• Standard Uncoated Lenses: Clean using anti-bacterial detergent or hand soap that does not contain microbeads or abrasive grit. Gently rub the lenses in straight lines under clear running water. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Commercially available alcohol-based lens wipes are also acceptable for cleaning.

• Fog-Free Coated Lenses: Always clean with a 75–80% alcohol solution. Alcohol-based lens wipes are acceptable. Using light pressure, wipe in straight lines to thoroughly clean all lens and frame surfaces. Dry with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Over time, the fog-free coating should be reapplied and rejuvenated.

• Anti-Reflective Coated Lenses: Clean with anti-bacterial detergent or hand soap that contains no microbeads or abrasive grit. Gently rub the lenses in straight lines under clear running water. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

AORN also recommends quarterly deep cleaning for all high-touch objects in medical settings. We can assist with deep cleaning and disinfection of protective garments at RCS using EPA-approved cleaning products and processes that align with the CDC’s guidelines for removing tough bioburden. 

Inspection

Techno-Aide recommends inspecting lead glasses annually to identify damage that could reduce their effectiveness. Radiographic inspections are the most accurate way to identify small damage in PPE, like lead glasses or aprons, before it gets out of hand. 

Additionally, your team can conduct regular visual inspections in between annual inspections, looking for any noticeable: 

• Pitting

• Chips

• Scratches

• Cracks

• Broken hinges or frames

For questions about radiation protection eyewear, product selection, pricing, or maintenance, contact Radiological Care Services today. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right X-ray glasses for your clinical needs, ensure brand compliance with safety standards, and assist with proper care, cleaning, and inspection protocols to keep your protective gear in top condition.