Ten types of lenses were tested for their radiation protection properties in three experimental circumstances: (a) Their good geometry (scatter free) attenuation was determined as a function of HVL in a direct x-ray beam. (b) Their dose reducing properties were determined under simulated clinical fluoroscopic conditions, using both ion chambers and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) while the lenses, mounted in frames, were worn by a head phantom. The head was oriented in four different directions to simulate clinical conditions in a fluoroscopic room. (c) Their dose reducing properties were measured with TLD's while the glasses were worn by radiologists during clinical fluoroscopic procedures. Although several of the lenses could attenuate a direct x-ray beam several thousand times, none of the glasses offer more than a factor of 8 reduction in eye exposure when the glasses are worn during fluoroscopy. This is attributed to backscatter from the fluoroscopist's head and deficient lateral shielding. Some of the glasses may even be causing an increase in eye exposure when the TV monitor is located 90 degrees or more from the patient.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.