Since the early 20th Century, medical researchers have thoroughly documented the detrimental side effects of prolonged radiation exposure in humans. And more recently, studies coordinated through the International Commission on Radiological Protection continue to urge caution among medical professionals against the ever-present cataractogenic hazard of operating modern diagnostic devices, such as a fluoroscope.
Today, radiologic and nuclear medicine technologists deploy specially engineered leaded aprons, clothing, and radiation glasses in order to guard their skin and eyesight against this danger. However, the fact remains that careers in radiography still pose certain occupational health hazards to those who enter this field of medicine, specifically the risk of developing a radiation cataract over time.
The medical community defines a cataract as a clouding of the ocular lens, which causes those afflicted to suffer from blurred vision, headaches, double vision, and poor night vision as well. The causes of a cataract are varied. But more often than not, a cataract will occur predominately in the elderly population over the age of 80.
Also, medical research has all but proved that a cataract appears to develop gradually over a lifetime, whether congenital or caused by some other external factor. As a result, radiologic and nuclear technologists have become fully aware of the hazards of their professions and habitually use protective eyeglasses and other leaded equipment.
Professional radiographers perform diagnostic procedures such as fluoroscopy and mammography several times a day, exposing them to a minuscule, yet cumulative, routine of radiation. So utilizing the proper protective eyewear has become absolutely integral to their work.
For example, leaded eyewear has now become standard issue among physicians, nursing professionals, and radiologic technologists alike. For patients, the risk of developing a cataract from a mammogram is slight, if not completely negligible due to low-level, short-term exposure to X-rays or other radiation. But medical professionals who are routinely exposed to such radiation, have to cope with the reality of potentially developing a cataract or some form of melanoma in their lifetimes.
Radiologic eyeglasses shield the ocular lens from the harmful effects of prolonged X-ray exposure, effectively scattering any stray radioactive waves that may cause eyesight dysfunction in the future. Leaded aprons shield the body in the same manner.
This safety equipment is manufactured by different companies based in the U.S. They offer a variety of colors and unique styles, too. Likewise, some of the more elaborate leaded eyewear brands on the market include prescription corrective lenses such as single vision, lined, and non-lined bifocal glasses as well.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about radiation glasses, please visit https://www.eyewearuk.com/