This entry was posted on September 12, 2013, by Phillips Safety.

Much of the selection process for lead glasses rely upon personal preference: frame style, color, and size are generally chosen based upon what you like, not what is best for your application.

Lead Eyewear

This is because any leaded eyewear with a 0.75mm lead equivalency (and lead side shields when needed) all offers the same protection from radiation. They all attenuate harmful x-ray radiation as well as a 0.75mm thick sheet of pure lead. True, some manufacturers offer leaded eyewear at lower protection levels, but if you are shopping on our store, you will find that all of our eyewear protects you at the same level.

If you’re shopping for leaded eyewear, here’s what you should pay attention to:

• Weight. The bigger your lenses are, the heavier your glasses will be. The main job of your lenses is to protect your eyes, so a bigger frame isn’t always better.
• Color. If your lead glasses have a flashy color that seems out of place in your work environment, you may feel a little sheepish about wearing them. Get a pair that is suited to your work.
• Comfort. Ergonomics and lasting comfort are essential on eyewear that you may wear for extended periods during the day. Get a pair that sits comfortably on your nose and ears.
• Sizing. Some frames are larger than others. Pay attention to the frame sizing when shopping for lead glasses, and be sure to choose one that will fit you comfortably without sliding off.
• Durability. Lead eyewear frames should be durable so that you do not have to buy a new pair every year.
• Side protection. You should ensure that your lead glasses have wraparound lenses or lead side shields to offer appropriate side protection.
• Prescriptions. If you wear prescription glasses, you will need to either get a pair of prescription lead glasses or get a pair of fitover lead glasses to wear over your existing eyewear.

Lead glasses are an important purchase and should be shopped for prudently. Make sure you are getting a pair that you will be happy wearing while you work so you never feel inclined to go into a procedure without them.

Working in fluoroscopy without leaded glasses may lead to early-onset cataracts and other health problems. If you are not using lead glasses for fluoroscopy currently, is a very good idea to invest in some. Nothing is worth risking your eyesight for, and today’s lead glasses come in many comfortable, affordable, long-lasting, and attractive styles.

If you have any questions about lead glasses, please ask them in the comments below! We’d love to hear your questions and feedback. Thanks so much for reading, and stay safe!