Author: Yu-Ying Lin, Yu Chen Shen 👨🔬
Affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou 🌍
Purpose: This study evaluates the protective efficiency of lead glasses against radiation exposure to the eyes during angiography using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs).
Methods: Two types of lead glasses were tested: wraparound glasses with 0.07 mm Pb and rectangular glasses with 0.75 mm Pb and side protection. A 30×30 cm metal plate simulating a patient scatter source was exposed to digital angiography (80 kVp, 14 mA) at 15 frames/second for 20 minutes. An anthropomorphic phantom positioned 70 cm from the scatter source simulated an operator performing right femoral access. OSLDs placed around the eyes on the phantom measured the cumulative entrance surface doses with and without the lead glasses.
Results: Without lead glasses, the cumulative doses were 22±0.8 mR and 10±3 mR for the eyes near and far from the scatter source, respectively. Wraparound glasses reduced these doses to 8±7 mR (near) and 9±1 mR (far), while rectangular glasses reduced them to 11±3 mR (near) and 10±3 mR (far). Dose reductions were 62% for wraparound glasses and 51% for rectangular glasses near the scatter source.
Conclusion: Lead glasses significantly reduce radiation exposure to the eyes, particularly for those near the scatter source, with wraparound glasses providing superior protection.