Radiation-blocking glasses allow vision during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of leaded safety glasses to block radiation and allow for vision during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

Eight patients were treated with palladium 103 ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy and measured for emitted radiation while wearing leaded glasses or a lead patch. Radiation emission was measured at 1 m so as to compare the glasses' ability to block radiation in vivo.

RESULTS

In two patients the tumor was in the patients' only seeing eye, and the leaded radiation safety glasses allowed them to function (feed themselves and walk to the bathroom unassisted). In two additional patients, the glasses allowed binocularity and were preferred over the patch. Measurements revealed that both the lead patch and leaded radiation safety glasses reduced exposure to levels acceptable for discharge to home in New York City.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaded radiation safety glasses improved patients' quality of life without sacrificing radiation safety.