There are those who recommend the use of special eyeglass lens materials to protect the eyes from the potential radiogenic formation of cataracts. These would be primarily recommended for those who perform a number of fluoroscopic procedures. Regular eyeglasses will reduce radiation dose from fluoroscopy by about 50 percent.

Whether there is a documented need for special radiation glasses is unclear. Data showing cataractogenesis from ionizing radiation is primarily based on high dose data from radiation therapy patients and cyclotron physicists. Total dose in these cases was much greater and over shorter periods of time than those who performed medical procedures using ionizing radiation can expect to receive.

The need for leaded eyewear may be more acute in the young, and also may be more acute in those without adequate training and experience in radiation protection techniques. Thus, a radiology resident, who has not yet mastered fluoroscopic techniques, may wish to consider using radiation glasses, as might a cardiac catheterization nurse who will not always know where to stand or how to protect herself from the beam or scatter. Radiologic technologists probably have lesser need for such an item. They have extensive training in both radiobiology and radiation protection and know how to protect themselves from the beam and scatter radiation, but may want to use them anyway, with a better-safe-than-sorry attitude. However, no device should be seen as a substitute for sound radiation protection practices; rather, they are adjuncts.

Although radiation glasses can be made from a number of materials, including barium, lead is the best material and has been show to decrease dose by 98%. Typically such glasses provide 0.75mm of lead equivalent protection, and when side shielding is provided, the side shielding usually provides 0.35 mm of lead equivalent protection.

The lenses used should also be large to provide greater protection. Manufacturers offer wraparound lead glasses or glasses with side shields for greater protection, radiation protective fit-over goggles that can be worn over existing glasses, or prescription protective glasses. There are also specialty frames made to be extremely flexible so that temple length and frame angle can be adjusted. This provides for a more custom fit. Since they are often used in areas where splashing is a concern, it is useful if the front frame has molded side shielding for splash protection and provides a snug fit to the brow to prevent fluid run-off into the eyes. Vented frames may also be required if fogging of the lenses presents a potential problem.