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Prescription Lead Radiation Glasses: An Essential Guide

By April 5, 2022February 5th, 2024No Comments

Many industries are reliant upon radiative technology in order to provide essential services to customers. Medical, veterinary, dental, defense, and nuclear professionals regularly working with radiative materials require equipment to protect their health and safety. It is very important to protect not only the body and throat, but the eyes as well.

Prescription lead radiation glasses are a reliable way to ensure your eyes are always protected. Whether you are a patient, one-time customer, or an industry professional, you can never be too careful with your eyes.

The Importance of Wearing Prescription Lead Glasses

Prescription lead glasses must be worn when being exposed to radiation. For professionals wearing this equipment daily, having a pair of lead glasses with the correct prescription comes with several benefits.

Firstly, they are more comfortable to wear every day.  For individuals exposed to radiation on a normal basis, lead glasses with a specific prescription means less squinting, headaches from blurred vision or overconcentration, and tired, strained eyes.

Not only are they more comfortable to wear in the long term, but prescription lead glasses improve work performance. When a doctor or veterinarian is able to see properly and precisely, they are better able to give patients higher quality care. Research and data can more quickly and efficiently be recorded as well.

Effects of Not Wearing Prescription Glasses

On an individual level, protecting your eyesight is an absolute necessity. Damage incurred by radiation is irreversible. Some of the negative effects of not wearing the appropriate lead glasses include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Tissue damage
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Blindness

To avoid this level of damage, it is important to always wear prescription lead glasses. If prescription lead glasses are not worn, radiation waves will pass directly into the eyes. Cataracts are the most common affliction after exposure to radiation, and they can impair vision to a high degree.

Types of Prescription Protective Eyewear

Prescription lead eyewear offers a wide variety of options, so there is guaranteed to be a pair that suits your specific needs. Generally, there are three main types of prescription lead glasses: single, bi-focal, and personalized.

1. Single vision lenses

Single vision glasses have a lens with one prescription level.  Both lenses do not have to have matching prescriptions, but an entire single lens will be the same throughout.

2. Bi-focal lenses

In contrast, bi-focal lenses have two different prescription levels contained within a single lens. These are especially useful for people working in jobs that require a lot of switching between long and short sight perspectives.

3. Personalized lenses

If you require a unique composition of prescription lead glasses, it is possible to work with the team to create lenses that exactly suit your requirements. Personalized lenses are a wonderful investment for professionals; you can be assured your eyes are exactly protected for many years.

How to Properly Select Prescription Glasses

Since prescription lead glasses are an investment for the future, it is imperative to choose the correct configuration. Follow these steps to fully leverage the benefits of wearing prescription lead glasses.

Steps to properly select prescription lead eyewear:

  • Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Doing so means you can be confident of the accuracy of the prescription.
  • Determine the required prescription. The eye doctor will issue an official prescription for each of your eyes. Whether an identical prescription, two different single prescriptions, or bi-focals are needed, it must be precisely recorded.
  • Research lead glasses frames that suit your prescription. Not all frames are able to support all prescriptions, so be sure to double-check which frames are suitable.
  • Try on the actual glasses before buying. Conducting a trial run to check the comfort, visibility, and overall fit will guarantee the eyewear is right for you.
  • Double check the maintenance requirements. All prescription eyewear has certain requirements for general maintenance, and lead glasses are no different. Research or ask your provider for advice on basic care.

Cost of Prescription Lead Glasses

There is a huge variety of prescription lead glasses. From frames to lenses to extra features, the cost of your prescription lead glasses will depend on your specific order.

In terms of frames, the more durable the material, the more expensive the frames will typically be. There are some great options that combine a lighter weight with strong materials while still maintaining an affordable price point. 

Lenses will likely make up the bulk of the cost. Specialty lenses or bifocals will obviously be a bit more expensive compared to single vision, basic lenses.

Lastly, if there are any special features added onto the glasses, such as extra nose or earpiece cushioning, it will add on a bit of extra cost.

How Prescription Glasses Are Made

When prescription lead glasses are being made, they undergo the same fundamental process. Typically this process looks like:

  • Frame inspection. The frame will be checked all over for quality assurance purposes.
  • Tracing the frame. The shape and size of the frame bordering the lenses will be traced using a machine. Doing so will mean the lens will be the correct size and shape.
  • Preparing the lenses. The appropriate lens type will be ordered, cut, and cleaned.
  • Assembling the frame and lenses. The last step is to combine the prepared frames and lenses. They will also be inspected and cleaned post-assembly.

Easy Steps to Properly Care For Lead Glasses

Prescription lead glasses can last for many years when properly maintained. Taking care of your prescription lead glasses is simple; doing a small bit every day will make a notable difference in the future.

Some ways to care for your prescription lead glasses are:

  • Use a soft cloth to clean them daily. A microfiber cloth is preferable and always avoid abrasive materials. In addition, a professional cleaning spray will keep your lenses clear.
  • Store the eyewear in a case. A glasses case will protect the glasses when they are not being used.
  • Regularly repair. Having a small glasses repair kit means you can easily keep all the screws tight and in place. 
  • Avoid putting the glasses on top of your head. Doing so could result in the glasses slipping off your head and sustaining scratches or breaks.

Barrier Technologies: Provider of Quality Leaded Eyewear for Radiation Protection

Prescription lead glasses should be made by professionals who intimately understand the need for quality and reliability. As a leader in providing protective equipment, Barrier Technologies strives to create new and innovative solutions. Our team of experts are always ready to answer any question, so give us a call today!