Leading AUTHORITIES agree on the
harmful effects of dental radiation
to the eyes and need for protection.

SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS

“The sensitive tissues of the eyes are especially susceptible to radiation damage, and studies have shown a correlation between dental X-rays and cataracts. To avoid undue exposure, standard practice is for dentists and dental professionals to use protective gear when performing dental X-ray imaging. Therefore, there is a need for an eye mask that confers sufficient ocular protection from dental X-rays.”

US Patent Office (Findings that helped substantiate grounds for granting the Ocu-Guard Eye Shield patent.)

“Exposure to ionizing radiation carries the risk of harm. The effect on the eye may be caused by lower doses than previously considered. All reasonable means should be used to reduce radiation exposure, without compromising diagnosis, when radiographs are made.“

FDI World Dental Organization

“The ICRP has considered that the lens of the eye is among the most radiosensitive tissues and has recommended dose limits for the lens to prevent occurrence of vision impairing cataracts. Particular attention is paid to cataracts because of recent evidence of higher incidences of injury than expected after lower doses.”

International Commission on Radiological Protection

“The growing lens during childhood is sensitive to irradiation at doses lower than those previously stated. The eye lens seems suitable for studies of effects of low dose radiation since damaged cells are retained in the lens for a lifetime.”

British Journal of Ophthalmology

“It is critical to reduce X-ray exposure to dental patients in order to prevent the harmful effects of radiation.”

National Institutes of Health

“This study shows that there is a large dose variation between different X-ray units used for the same radiograph projection. When performing radiological examinations on children, a reduced child exposure programme shall be used.”

Oxford University Press

“The IAEA, International Atomic Energy Association, has recently lowered its threshold for dose to the lens of the eye and shows new evidence for cataracts showing up earlier than previously expected…”

Adam Evearitt, Atom Physics

“The lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the body. Ocular ionizing radiation exposure results in characteristic, dose related, progressive lens changes leading to cataract formation.”

Department of Energy (DOE)

“A reduction in the limit to the eye could wake up some of the radiation protection community to recognize the lens as a potential issue, about which we should be more concerned than we have been in the past. It is prudent to reduce the radiation limit rather than leave it where it is.”

Eyenet Magazine / June 2017 / Rethinking Radiation Doses for Eye Protection

“Unintentional exposure of the eyes and the thyroid must be controlled. However, a careless technique and unnecessary repetition of exams can provide considerable radiation dosage to the eyes and thyroid.”

MANUAL OF RADIATION PROTECTION, Volume 4-Dentistry Jointly sponsored by WHO, ILO and IAEA

“We know that dental radiation has always been considered safer than other forms of medical radiation because it is directed to areas of the body that just aren’t that radiosensitive. And if we shield the areas of concern – like the thyroid – and make sure that the lenses of the eyes are kept out of the X-ray fields, then we are helping the patient to feel safe and protected.”

Colorado Dental Association

“Radiographic techniques…in dental practice…involve radiation exposure to the eye lens, which has relatively high radiosensitivity.”… “It is important to avoid inclusion of the eye lens in the direct radiation field and to make full use of techniques that reduce the absorbed dose. Clinicians performing these procedures should be conscious of the radiation exposure to the eye lens.”

Kanzaki T et al. Absorbed dose to the eye during dental radiography. Oral Radiology 2017; 33:246-250

“All ionizing radiation can produce biological changes in living tissues and must be used judiciously. Although the amount of radiation used in dentistry is very small, biological damage can still occur.”

Pennsylvania Dental Association – Radiology Protection Update