Protective Eyeglasses Research Articles

Laser-Induced Ocular Lesions with Thulium Fiber Laser in Endourology: An Ex Vivo Study.

Introduction and Objectives: The thulium fiber (Tm-F) laser is currently studied as an alternative to the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser, the gold standard for endocorporeal laser lithotripsy. We aimed to evaluate the ex vivo effects of an accidental Tm-F laser exposure on bovine eyes and to test the protective action of different eyeglasses in preventing eye lesions in case of an accident. Methods: A 50-W TFL generator (IPG Photonics®, Russia) with a wavelength of 1940 nm and 200-μm core diameter fibers (CDFs) were used. The laser fiber tip was pointed perpendicularly at different distances (0, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 cm, respectively) to the pupil center of the bovine eye. The Tm-F laser was activated for 1 or 3 seconds at three different settings (0.5 J-20 Hz, 1 J-10 Hz, and 2 J-10 Hz, respectively). The experiment was repeated using laser safety glasses and eyeglasses. After lasering, eye samples were immersed in a 0.5% fluorescein serum (Faure-Ciba-Geigy®, Switzerland), then rinsed with saline. White and blue light examination looked for localized epithelial burns (LEBs), extended epithelial burns (EEBs), superficial corneal ulcerations (SCUs), and deep corneal ulcerations (DCUs). Results: A total of 68 bovine eyes were used. Despite the laser settings, both DCU (contact) and SCU (1 cm) developed without eye protection for 1 and 3 seconds of lasering. At the 3-cm fiber-eye distance, only burning lesions were observed. Over 5 cm, no lesion was found. At contact or 1-cm fiber-eye distance, pulse energy did not change the lesion grade, but at 3 cm, high pulse energy led to higher grade corneal lesions (0.5 J-10 Hz:LEB; 1 J-10 Hz:EEB). Despite the fiber-eye distance, no corneal lesions were reported in the laser safety glass or eyeglass group for 1 second of laser exposure. Conclusions: Our study highlights the risk of eye damage caused by Tm-F. Without proper eye protection, the Tm-F laser can cause corneal lesions up to 5 cm in distance with 1 second of exposure despite laser settings. Only dedicated protective eyeglasses are effective for long exposures.

The association between digital eye strain symptoms, especially dry eye and online study during COVID-19 pandemic among Qassim University medical students

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a tremendous expansion in the Internet and technology and social distancing, which increased the usage of digital devices more than before. This puts people at a higher risk of getting digital eye strain (DES) symptoms especially dry eye. This study aimed at evaluating the association between DESsymptoms, especially dry eye, and the online study during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students at Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 medical students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed among medical students. Results: The present study showed a significant difference between usage duration before and during the lockdown. Digital device use for more than 10 hours per day was reported by 67.4% of the medical students 57.1% were male students. Chi-squared analysis indicated most symptoms are associated with the usage duration. The overall prevalence of DES was 92.6%, and the most notable symptoms that increased during the pandemic were those related to eye dryness (43.5%). Moreover, the most frequently used device daily was the smartphone (90.6%) and tablet (71.2%). Conclusion: The use of screen-based technologies has become a necessity of modern life, notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a serious dependence on them and an increase in the prevalence of DES symptoms, particularly eye dryness. It is important to raise awareness about DES symptoms, including dry eye associated with long use of digital devices and the measures to protect ocular health by limiting screen time use, following the 20-20-20 rule, using lubricant eye drops and protective glasses.

Investigation of the effect of using radiation protective glasses on the photon fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients of eye substructures

The use of radiation protective glasses is common in radiation-contaminated environments. However, the effect of these glasses has not yet been investigated on the fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients (DCCs). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of five types of gamma ray protective glasses on the photon fluence-to-DCCs of different eye substructures. For this purpose, a real eye model has been used and its conversion coefficients have been calculated in the presence of five types eye protective glasses with chemical formulae of ZnO–PbO–B2O3, Bi2O3–PbO–B2O3, PbO–B2O3, PbO–BaO–Na2O–MgO–B2O3 and BaO–Nb2O3–P2O5. Calculations were performed for monoenergetic photon sources, whose energy ranges from 0.02 to 10 MeV, with different polar and azimuthal angles. The results indicate that the use of radiation protective glasses has acceptable effects on reducing the fluence-to-DCCs only at low photon energies up to 500 keV. At medium energy levels up to about 1 MeV, the effect of the glasses is negligible. However, at high energies it increases the fluence-to-DCCs for sensitive parts of the eye.

Knowledge and attitude about infection control in dental practice among dental undergraduate students in Davangere city: A cross sectional survey

Background: Dental clinic is an environment which poses potential risk for disease transmission both for dentists and their patients. Hence a study was planned to assess knowledge and attitude of undergraduate dental students in Davangere city about infection control in dental practice.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 undergraduate dental students in Davangere city. A 21-item prevalidated structured close ended questionnaire was administered to the participants. Data was analyzed using chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Out of 258 participants, 62% were females and belonged to third year (54%). Majority of them had good knowledge (>90%) about infection control in dental practice and more than 90% believed that dentists had a risk of acquiring HIV and Hepatitis infection and felt hepatitis vaccination was mandatory. More than 80% of them used gloves, face masks, head cap and gown, washed hands before and after examining patient and were willing to implement and follow the infection control procedures in clinical practice. However, majority did not wear eye protective glasses (>80%) and 90% had experienced non-sterile occupational percutaneous injury which was a cause of concern.Conclusion: The knowledge of dental undergraduate students about infection control measures in dental practice was good. However, many reported non-sterile occupational injuries during clinical practice.

Ocular trauma secondary to exercise resistance bands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectiveTo characterize injuries caused by exercise resistance bands.MethodSingle-site retrospective case series of patients presenting to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute emergency room with ocular injuries secondary to exercise resistance bands from March through September 2020.ResultsEleven patients (9 males, 2 females, 14 eyes) were reviewed. Eight patients had a unilateral injury (3 right eyes, 5 left eyes) while 3 had bilateral injuries. Iritis was the most common presentation, seen in all 11 patients, followed by hyphema (9 patients, 82%), and vitreous hemorrhage (4 patients, 36%). Among affected eyes, the mean presenting visual acuity was approximately 20/100, improving to 20/40 on the last follow up (p = 0.06). However, 4 eyes (33%) had vision ≤20/60 at last follow up.ConclusionsExercise resistance bands can cause a wide spectrum of ocular injuries, some leading to long-term vision loss. As such, we recommend that patients strongly consider using eye protection goggles or glasses while using resistance bands for exercise.

Letter: Safety Instructions for Neurosurgeons During COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Recent Knowledge and Experience.

To the Editor: Here, we ask for the opinion of 4 worldwide-known neurosurgeons from 3 different continents and review the evidence from literature and from major relevant societies to provide a guide for the safety of surgical personnel and to reorganize neurosurgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the subsequent phase. Moreover, we retrieved relevant information from PubMed and from national and international organizations, including Robert-Hooke Institute, Germany, World Health Organization, German Society of Neurosurgery, and World Society of Virology, to develop guidelines. PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY NEUROSURGICAL PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC All efforts should be utilized to perform certain emergency procedures under local anaesthesia. Endovascular treatment, if possible, especially in neurovascular diseases, should be considered as priority. Alternate treatment modalities, such as radiosurgery in certain neuro-oncological conditions, should be considered. To avoid any ethical issues, the urgent neurosurgical cases in all neurosurgical subspecialties should be triaged and treated. PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF NEUROSURGICAL PATIENTS DURING COVID-19 WITH COVID-19 INFECTION All patients in emergency rooms (ERs) may be potential carriers of the virus and at least all unconscious patients should be treated as infected. Only 1 case from China and 1 from Japan with COVID-19 meningitis have been reported in the news. In literature, however, there is no single report on COVID-19 meningitis and the presence of virus in the cerebrospinal fluid. Moreover, some patients may present with neurological symptoms (eg, confusion) as the virus may cause hypoxia but still not provoke hyperventilation to compensate. Therefore, we still recommend the surgical personnel to take complete measures due to the presence of the virus in the blood. Urgent surgical procedures on COVID-19 positive patients should be performed only in dedicated operation rooms. To date there has been no single central nervous system complication reported that needed a neurosurgical procedure, but it is still highly possible that neurosurgical patients who need emergency surgery are COVID-19 positive with a high virus load. We propose the following safety measures for the surgeon and surgical staff during neurosurgical approaches. PROPOSED PRECAUTIONS DURING SURGICAL APPROACH During the pandemic, all neurosurgical procedures should be highly standardized to reduce the operation room time. Use of new materials or instruments and clinical studies should be postponed until the end of the pandemic. Whole surgical team should wear the FFP2/FFP3 (FPP stands for “Filtering Face Piece”) mask, eye protection glasses, double gloves, surgical suits, and shoe covers. Experienced neurosurgeons beyond their learning curve should perform the surgeries to reduce total exposure time. If possible, only a single surgeon should perform the surgery to avoid exposure to the assistant. Special care should be taken during craniotomy and drilling (irrigation with heat) to avoid aerosol dispersal and prevent them from reaching nose and eyes. Any dispersal of blood during drilling procedures should be avoided. Electrocautery power setting or the use of bipolar should be minimized to reduce aerosol dispersal. The surgical wound should be covered at the end of surgery. Special care should be taken and the powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) mask should be worn during the endonasal surgery because COVID-19 is known for settling down in the nasopharyngeal room. SARS-CoV-2 negative (negative history of COVID-19, negative swab (2 times within 24 h) OR negative CT chest: FFP3 mask and safety glasses should be worn. SARS-CoV-2 positive: PAPR mask should be worn. Disclosures The authors have no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article. Funding support was received from EANS to Dr Muhammad.

Prevalence and associated factors of computer vision syndrome among the computer engineering students of Pokhara University affiliated colleges of Kathmandu valley

Background: The increasing use of computers and electronic devices is rapidly increasing the related health issues of computer vision syndrome. Studies have identified longer use of computers, ergonomic practices as lighting condition of room, incorrect distance between eye and computer, refresh rate, use of spectacles were associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS) symptoms as back pain, tension, headache and others. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of CVS among computer engineering students of Pokhara University affiliated colleges of Kathmandu Valley and identify the associated factors and preventive measures being practiced by the students.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using self-administered questionnaire among 234 undergraduate computer engineering students of Kathmandu Valley. Chi-square test was used to identify the association with computer vision syndrome and its determinants.Results: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome among the computer engineering students was found to be 76.50%. Only 39.3% were found to be using computer in upright with straight back posture and 73.5% were using computer at distance less than or equal to 50 cm. The 81.2% of participants were not following the 20/20/20 rule. During age, use of vision aid lens and use of protective eye glasses and artificial eye drops were found associated with CVS.Conclusions:The study revealed that the prevalence of computer vision syndrome was significantly high. Individuals using vision aid lens were found to be at risk of developing CVS and use of protective eye glass and artificial tears were found protective.

OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION EXPOSURE DOSE OF THE EYE IN DEPARTMENT OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA PHYSICIAN.

Interventional radiology (IR) procedures tend to be complex, which delivers high radiation exposure to patient. In the present study, we measured the radiation exposure dose [Hp(3)] in the eye using a direct eye dosemeter placed next to the physician's eye during procedures. Physicians wore a direct eye dosemeter just lateral to eyes and an additional direct eye dosemeter outside the radiation protective eyeglasses close to their eyes. Additionally, a neck glass badge was worn at the neck. Although we found a positive correlation between the left neck glass badge dose [Hp(0.07)] and the left eye lens dose [Hp(3)], the value of R2 of the regression equation were 0.62 and 0.71 (outside and inside). We thought that the exact eye lens dose might not be estimated from the neck glass badge. In conclusion, a correct evaluation of the lens dose [Hp(3)] using the direct eye dosemeter is recommended for tachyarrhythmia physicians.

Cross infection control in private dental practice in Karachi, Sindh.

The Aim of this study was to assess that what measures were taken routinely by private dental practitioners regarding cross infection control. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Private dental practitioners in Karachi. Period: 01-04-2018 to 30-09-2018. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire comprised of 10 questions was prepared regarding measures taken for infection control in private dental practice. The questionnaire was distributed randomly among 130 private dental practitioners by hand to carry out a cross sectional study on cross Infection control among the private dental practitioners in Karachi. The each question had two options (YES OR NO), and the respondents had to select one of the two. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 130 private dental practitioners, out of which 111 dentists responded and returned the questionnaire. The response rate was 85%. Following are the results obtained. 85% of participants asked detailed medical history. Majority of dentists (78%) were immunized against hepatitis B. 95 % of the participants stated that they wore gloves during dental treatment and change on each patient. Mask was worn and changed on each patient by 67% of dentists during treatment. Protective eyeglasses and protective face shield were worn by 20% and 2 % of respondents respectively during dental treatment. Majority of dentists (84%) used autoclave to sterilize the hand piece and 16% dentists used sterilized hand piece on each patient. 100% participants changed instruments such as extraction instruments, saliva ejector, hand piece, impression trays on each patient. Only 3% of participant disinfected the impression before sending to laboratory. Only 17 % participants used special container to disposal off sharp objects. Conclusion: Cross infection control measures need to be improved in private dental practice.

The eye of the endourologist: what are the risks? A review of the literature.

During endourological procedures, the eye of the urologist is exposed to hazards such as contact with body fluids and irrigation solutions as well as laser injury, and X-ray radiation absorption. The resulting potential injuries and damages to the eye have not been summarily reviewed to date. The objective was to review the different risks of exposure to the eyes of urologists during endourological procedures. The Medline database was searched for identification of studies on hazards to the eye of the endourologist. All articles published in English until September 2018 were considered. Twenty-three publications were included in this analysis. The incidence of eye contact with patient body fluids or irrigation solutions during endoscopic procedures ranged between 37.50 and 100%. Laser-induced eye injuries were reported in 37.9% of all kind of adverse events related to laser use in urology. The eye lens dose of radiation ranged from 0.04 to 1600µSv per endourological procedures. While the risks of infection, laser injury, lens opacity and cataract are generally low, the wear of protective glasses is recommended. Lead glasses may protect against all these risks in case of Ho:YAG laser use with concomitant X-ray radiation. If Ho:YAG laser is used without any concomitant X-ray radiation, proper laser safety glasses or at least conventional eyeglasses should be recommended. When other types of laser are used, we recommend wearing laser eye protection glasses covering the adequate range of wavelength. For endourological procedures without laser use and X-ray radiation, specific protection devices such as goggles or face shields are recommended.

Self-reported use of x-ray personal protective equipment by Saskatchewan veterinary workers.

OBJECTIVE To describe self-reported use of x-ray personal protective equipment (PPE) by veterinary workers in Saskatchewan, Canada, and to examine factors that affected their use of x-ray PPE. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE 331 veterinary workers. PROCEDURES A questionnaire was distributed to Saskatchewan veterinary workers electronically and by conventional mail. Recipients were encouraged to share the questionnaire with colleagues. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding radiation safety practices used during small animal radiographic procedures, including frequency of use of dosimeters and lead aprons, thyroid shields, eyeglasses, and gloves. Respondents were also requested to provide suggestions for increasing use of PPE. RESULTS 460 questionnaires were completed, of which 331 were returned by workers involved with performing radiographic procedures. Two hundred eighty-five of 331 (86%) respondents reported that at least 1 worker was always in the room during x-ray exposure, and 325 (98%), 291 (88%), and 9 (3%) respondents reported always wearing a lead apron, thyroid shield, and protective eyeglasses, respectively, during radiographic imaging. Two hundred seventeen of 327 (66%) respondents used lead gloves correctly less than half the time. Mean percentage of time that gloves were worn correctly was higher for workers who were required to do so by their employers than for those who were not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested use of PPE during radiographic procedures can be increased by employers making PPE use mandatory. Other respondent-identified factors that would increase PPE use included the availability of properly fitting and functional PPE and education of workers about health risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure.

INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and infection control practices among private dental laboratories in Karachi. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Private Dental Laboratories of Karachi. Period: 01st September 2017 to 01st February 2018. Materials and Methods: A pre structured questionnaire comprised of 09 questions regarding infection control was used to collect the data. A total 35 questionnaires were given to dental technicians. 29 questionnaires were obtained out of 35 distributed (response rate: 83%). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Gloves were not worn by 76% of respondents while receiving the clinical items. Protective eyeglasses and protective face shield were not worn by 38% and 13% of respondents respectively during laboratory work. Few 13% of respondents were vaccinated against the hepatitis b virus. Clinical items were disinfected by 17% of respondents if not disinfected by dental clinic. Laboratory work was not disinfected by 90% of respondents before sending to clinic. Pumice slurry and water of pressure pot were changed by 6% and 6% respectively. Regarding infection control measure impose financial burden, 83% of respondents were agreed. Conclusion: The knowledge and practices of infection control were poor and below acceptable standards in private dental laboratories.

Ocular Injury With Chestnut Burr

To evaluate the medical and surgical management and treatment of ocular injuries with chestnut burr recorded at the Hospital El Bierzo between 2009 and 2015. A prospective study of ocular injuries with chestnut burr was conducted for the period from 2009 to 2015. Patients were detected in the Emergency Department and referred to the Ophthalmology Department for study and medical and surgical treatment. Ten eyes were evaluated in 10 patients. The injuries ranged from ocular contusion without corneal involvement to trauma with corneal perforation caused by spines. One patient with chronic retention of spines in the intrastromal corneal ring was included. Six of the eyes studied had chestnut burr spines in the cornea, one of which was chronically retained in the intrastromal cornea. One case of spine-induced corneal perforation was also studied. Six of the patients required surgery, 2 required removal of the spine using a slit lamp, 2 required outpatient medical treatments, and a wait-and-see approach was taken in 1 patient. All patients progressed favorably, and no surgical complications were recorded. Proper occupational risk prevention and the use of eye protection glasses are fundamental in avoiding these accidents. Once they have occurred, medical and surgical management must be done early and on an individual basis depending on the severity and location of the injuries, to avoid potentially serious complications.

An evaluation of knowledge and practice towards radiation protection among radiographers of Agra city

Radiation protection among radiographers has gained concern in recent times. The level of awareness concerning with radiation protection influences staff behavior. If they have not enough information related to mentioned issue, their action will not be safe and resulted to adverse effects. The objective is to evaluate the current status of knowledge and practices towards radiation protection among radiographers of Agra city. In this cross-sectional study, radiographers working in various hospitals of Agra city were identified and interviewed at their workplaces. List of health centers or hospitals providing radiology services in Agra city was obtained. These health centers or hospitals served as study places. Eligible study subjects were identified and interviewed. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire served as study tool for this purpose. Data of 50 participants was included in the final analysis. 68% subjects had experience of upto 5 years for working in radiology. All the respondents agreed to being exposed to radiation with 40% of them using radiation in 6-10 cases in a week. All the study subjects were aware of use of special materials in doors and walls such as lead for more protection, periodical radiation dose check from TLD and usage of personal Protective devices. Lead gloves or protective eye glasses were never used by 70% and 76% of subjects respectively. The dosimeters were never/rarely used by 66% of the subjects. There exists ‘knowledge-practice gap’ about usage of personal Protective devices among radiographers. Concerned department should launch IEC campaigns in the form of workshops, training courses, distribution of sensitization materials about ionizing radiation in order to bridge the identified gap.

Metal Workers with Corneal Injuries and Abuse of Topical Drugs

AIM: We evaluated metal workers injured with corneal foreign bodies (FB) in terms of health insurance, use of protective eyeglasses, and unprescribed drug use. Materials and Methods: Seventy metal workers who were injured with corneal FB were enrolled in the study. We recorded the gender, age, duration of work, use of protective eyeglasses, and health insurance status data of metal workers. In cases of FB existence, the number of FBs and unprescribed drug use were investigated. We examined the presence of corneal scars that could lead to visual impairment. Results: The mean duration of work was 11.8±10.8 years. Although 29 workers (41.5%) had corneal scars, only three workers (4.3%) had visual impairment due to scars. Also, 29 workers (41.5%) did not report the use of protective glasses; however, 22 (31.4%) workers reported their occasional use and 19 (27.1%) workers reported their routine use. Eighteen workers (25.7%) remarked on topical drug use from time to time. Ten of the 18 patients (55.6%) were using topical Tetrahydrozoline HCL, whereas five (27.8%) were using the topical anesthetic drug 0.5% Proparacaine HCl. Conclusion: Occupational protective measures are important for metal workers who are at a high risk of eye injuries. Workers must be educated on the prevention and treatment of occupational ophtalmological hazards and be warned about the side effects of taking unprescribed drugs. Language: en

Assessment of Office-Based Practice Patterns on Protective Eyewear Counseling for Patients With Monocular Vision

To investigate the practice patterns of office-based counseling on the importance of protective eyeglasses in monocular patients and to offer our counseling recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected in the form of surveys. Surveys were administered at an oculoplastic ophthalmology clinic in Michigan. Inclusion criteria included adults with vision of 20/400 or worse in only 1 eye. Survey questions were focused on whether patients with monocular vision recall being previously counseled by their primary ophthalmologist about wearing eye protection. A total of 60 surveys were completed. The average age was 62.2 years old (range: 23-90 years old). Of the completed surveys, 56.7% (34/60) did not recall receiving education about wearing protective glasses over their better seeing eye, while 35.0% (21/60) recalled having received education from their referring ophthalmologist about eye protection, and 8.3% (5/60) were uncertain about receiving eye protection counseling. Twenty (33.3%) patients reported the reason for decreased vision. Of those, 35% (7/20) of patients reported monocular vision resulting from trauma, while 65% (13/20) reported vision loss due to other reasons. There was no significant difference in recall of receiving counseling about the importance of eye protection between the 2 groups (p = 0.74). The results of this study highlight the current counseling short-comings, as more than half (56.7%) of patients surveyed did not recall being counseled on the importance of protecting their better seeing-eye, or ways of doing so. More counseling on protective eyewear needs to be incorporated into the preferred practice pattern for care of patients with monocular visual impairment because these patients are vulnerable to the devastating consequences of complete blindness as a result of an injury to their functioning eye.

Ocular blast injuries related to explosive military ammunition

ObjectivesTo report the clinical features of ocular injuries associated with explosive military ammunition in insurgent attacks in Turkey.MethodsThe medical records of 48 casualties who were treated for ocular injuries sustained...

The Knowledge of Radiation and the Attitude Towards Radio-Protection among Urology Residents in India.

Exposure to radiation is a hazard and precautions are necessary to limit it. This study was done to assess the knowledge of radiation and the attitude towards radio-protection among urology residents in India. A questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge and attitude of urology residents who came from all over the country to attend a clinical meeting at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, India. All the respondents agreed to being exposed to radiation, with 78.2% using radiation in more than five cases a week. Only 65.2% always took some steps for radio-protection. Lead aprons and thyroid shields were the most common radiation protection devices used. None of the residents ever used lead gloves or protective eye glasses or dosimeters. An 82.6% felt that they did not have adequate knowledge, 85.4% of residents did not receive any formal classes regarding the risk of radiation, 21.7% either rarely or never moved out of the operating room when the radiation was being used, 42.4% did not know that the SI unit of the equivalent absorbed dose of radiation & 52.1% did not know about the amount of radiation delivered to an adult during a contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen. Results of the present study reveal that the urology residents of India lack knowledge about the risks of radiation exposure. Majority of them did not take necessary precautions to limit their exposure to radiation.

Evaluation of the Level of Transmission of Solar Radiation by Eyeglasses (Spectacles) and its Effects on the Human Eye

Global atmospheric changes such as depletion of Ozone in the stratosphere and global warming contribute to the average increase of ultraviolet radiation on earth. Protective eyeglasses are normally recommended to safeguard the eyes from the harmful effects of solar radiation. In this paper, twenty (20) pairs of eyeglasses were selected based on systematic random sampling to determine the amount of optical radiation transmission and level of attenuation by eyeglasses, in the wavelength range of 200nm to 900nm using 6405 UV/VIS spectrophotometer. All the eyeglasses were found to transmit a substantial amount of ultraviolet radiation. The transmission of visible light depends on the lens colours. It was discovered that the eyeglasses do not provide complete protection from UV radiation. This shows that the glasses can still pose great danger to human eyes.

How are we protecting ourselves from radiation exposure? A nationwide survey.

We performed a nationwide survey of Brazilian urologists to study behaviors toward radiation exposure and the use of protective and monitoring equipment. A 13-question e-mail questionnaire was sent to 4,526 Brazilian urologists; the questions addressed demographic characteristics, radiation exposure, and the utilization of shielding devices and dosimeters. The reasons why these devices were not used were also investigated. A total of 332 completed questionnaires were analyzed (7.3 %); the median age of the respondents was 43.3 ± 10.8 years. Lead aprons and thyroid protection are utilized in every procedure by 84.4 and 53.89 % of respondents, respectively. Protective eyeglasses are never used by 72.12 % of the respondents. Older urologists were more likely not to use adequate protection. Of the urologists who responded, 76.42 % never use dosimeters. This study shows an unsatisfactory utilization of radiation-shielding devices and dosimeters, revealing a low compliance to the as low as reasonably achievable principle among Brazilian urologists.