Eye protection in interventional procedures

At a glance

Type of study

Narrative review

Who was studied

Interventional radiologists, Interventional cardiologists, Mixed lab staff

Topics

Eye lens and cataractsPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDosimetry and monitoringPatient doseDose reduction techniques

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Radiation-induced cataracts may form without a threshold and at low doses, and lens opacities have been reported in interventional staff.

• Eye protection tools such as accessory shields, drapes and glasses vary in effectiveness; some offer limited protection to the eye.

• Reported lens doses vary widely, indicating that exposure depends strongly on individual actions and can be reduced.

• Lowering patient dose also lowers occupational exposure.

• The authors recommend further follow-up of staff lens opacification and lens dose measurement under current clinical conditions.

Limits to keep in mind

Narrative review summarised from the abstract only; no quantitative estimates or methods for literature selection are reported.

Related research summaries

• Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, Narrative review)
• Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
• IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)
• Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
• Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)