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Lead Glasses UK — Radiation Protection Eyewear | Nike, Oakley, Ray-Ban | IRX Medical

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Lead Glasses & Radiation Protection Eyewear

Radiation protection eyewear for NHS, private, dental and veterinary professionals. Designer frames from Nike, Oakley and Ray-Ban — all with 0.75mm Pb lead equivalency and prescription options available.

Clinically approved0.75mm Pb lead equivalencyPrescription-readyNHS & private supplyUK clinical supplier
Female interventional radiologist wearing Nike radiation protection lead glasses during a fluoroscopy procedure

Nike radiation protection glasses

0.75mm Pb · Clinically approved

Why it matters

Your eyes are exposed every time you work under live X-ray

During fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and cath lab procedures, scattered radiation fills the room — reaching everyone in the imaging field. A lead apron protects your torso. A thyroid shield protects your neck. But without radiation protection eyewear, your eyes remain exposed.

The lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the body. The ICRP reduced the occupational eye lens dose limit from 150 mSv/yr to 20 mSv/yr (averaged over 5 years) in recognition of the link between cumulative scatter exposure and radiation-induced cataracts. A single fluoroscopy-guided cardiac procedure can deliver 0.5–2 mSv to the unprotected eye lens — meaning a busy interventionalist can approach the annual limit within a single working year without adequate protection.

20 mSv/yr

ICRP eye lens dose limit (5-yr average)

Down from 150 mSv/yr

0.5–2 mSv

Typical eye dose per fluoroscopy procedure

Unprotected operator

0.75mm Pb

IRX standard lens lead equivalency

SF-6 Schott glass

Aprons don't cover your eyes

Lead aprons and thyroid shields are essential — but they leave the eyes completely unprotected. Radiation glasses are the final piece of a complete personal protection kit.

Scatter reaches you from every angle

Scatter radiation doesn't only come from straight ahead. It reflects off walls, equipment, and the patient — reaching the eyes from the sides and above. Side shields and wraparound frames extend coverage where it's needed most.

IRR17 & IRMER compliance

Under UK regulations (IRR17 and IRMER 2017), employers must ensure staff are adequately protected from ionising radiation. Providing appropriate eye protection for staff working under live imaging is part of that duty.

Prescription lenses available

Clinical staff who wear prescription glasses can have their correction built directly into their radiation protection eyewear — one pair for clear vision and full eye protection throughout every procedure.

Male surgeon wearing radiation protection lead glasses during an interventional procedure
Clinical areas

Who needs radiation protection eyewear?

Any clinical professional who works near active X-ray imaging should wear radiation protection glasses. Here are the key specialties where eye protection is most critical.

Interventional Radiology

IR teams spend extended periods at the table during complex procedures — TIPS, EVAR, embolisation, and drainage. Scatter levels are among the highest in any imaging environment. Wraparound frames and side shields are strongly recommended.

Cardiology & Cath Lab

Cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cath lab nurses work under continuous fluoroscopy during PCI, EP studies, and device implantation. The proximity to the field and procedure duration make consistent eye protection essential.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Fluoroscopic guidance is used throughout orthopaedic procedures — from fracture fixation to spinal surgery. Theatre staff, scrub nurses, and surgeons all benefit from radiation glasses during image-guided cases.

Diagnostic Radiography

Radiographers performing mobile X-ray, fluoroscopy, and image-guided procedures are exposed to scatter on a daily basis. Eye protection is a practical, everyday part of their personal protective equipment.

Dental Radiography

Dental professionals performing intraoral, panoramic, and CBCT X-rays benefit from radiation glasses — particularly in high-volume practices where cumulative exposure over a career is a consideration.

Veterinary Radiography

Veterinary surgeons and nurses performing X-rays on animals are subject to the same radiation protection regulations as human healthcare. IRX lead glasses are suitable for veterinary use and available alongside our vet apron range.

Buying guide

How to choose your radiation protection lead glasses

The right pair depends on how you work, how long you spend at the table, and whether you need vision correction. Here's what to consider.

01

Standard frames

For routine imaging and lighter scatter work

A well-fitting standard frame with 0.75mm Pb lenses is appropriate for most diagnostic and lower-scatter imaging roles. IRX frames from Nike, Oakley, and Ray-Ban are designed to be worn all day without discomfort — because glasses that get taken off don't protect anyone.

Browse all frames below ↓
02

Side shields & wraparound

For interventional, cath lab, and high-scatter roles

Scatter reaches the eyes from the sides, not just straight ahead. Side shields and wraparound frame styles extend protection toward the temples — important for staff who spend the most time closest to the imaging field or who frequently turn toward monitors during procedures.

See frames with side shields ↓
03

Fitover glasses

For staff who already wear prescription glasses

Fitover radiation glasses are designed to be worn directly over your existing prescription eyewear. No second prescription is needed — the leaded lenses sit in front of your everyday frames, giving you radiation protection without replacing the glasses you already rely on.

Browse fitover styles ↓

Need prescription lenses?

IRX Medical can supply radiation protection glasses with your prescription built directly into the leaded lenses — so one pair handles both clear vision and full eye protection. Contact our team with your prescription details and we'll advise on compatible frames and lead equivalency options.

Enquire about Rx lenses
FAQ

Radiation  Protection Lead Glasses — common questions

Everything you need to know before ordering.

What are lead glasses?

Lead glasses — also called radiation glasses, radiation protection glasses, or leaded glasses — are protective eyewear with lead-equivalent lenses. They are worn during X-ray and fluoroscopy procedures to reduce the scattered radiation that reaches the eyes through the lens.

What lead equivalency do IRX glasses offer?

All IRX Medical radiation protection glasses are supplied with 0.75mm Pb lead-equivalent lenses as standard. This is the most widely specified lead equivalency for clinical radiation eyewear in the UK.

Are IRX lead glasses approved for clinical use?

Yes. All IRX radiation protection glasses are supplied to clinical standards and are suitable for use in NHS, private, dental and veterinary settings across the UK.

Can I get prescription radiation glasses?

Yes. IRX Medical can supply radiation protection glasses with your prescription built into the leaded lenses. Contact our team with your prescription details — we'll advise on compatible frames and arrange supply.

What are fitover radiation glasses?

Fitover radiation glasses are designed to be worn directly over your existing prescription eyewear. The leaded lenses sit in front of your everyday frames, providing radiation protection without requiring a second prescription pair.

Do I need side shields on my radiation glasses?

Scatter radiation can reach the eyes from the sides, especially when staff turn toward monitors or stand at an angle to the imaging field. Side shields and wraparound frames extend protection toward the temples — recommended for interventional, cath lab, and high-scatter roles.

Are lead glasses required under UK law?

Under IRR17 (Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017) and IRMER 2017, employers must ensure staff are adequately protected from ionising radiation. Your Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) or Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) can advise on the specific requirements for your department.

How do I request a quote?

All IRX Medical products are supplied on a quote basis — we work directly with NHS procurement teams, private hospitals, dental practices, and veterinary clinics. Use the "Request a quote" button on any product page, or contact our team directly.

Need a bespoke quote or bulk order?

Our team works with NHS trusts, private healthcare groups and specialist practices across the UK. Get in touch for framework pricing.

Contact our team
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