Protecting your eyes from radiation during diagnostic imaging cases is non-negotiable. But when choosing between fitover lead glasses and prescription lead glasses, the difference in comfort & fit, protection, and practicality is significant. At Safeloox, we recommend prescription lead glasses as the smarter, safer option — and here’s why.
1. Explaining the Different Types
1.1 What Are Fitover Lead Glasses?
Fitovers are lead glasses designed to be worn over the top of your existing prescription glasses. Fitovers are essentially a “one-size-fits-all” solution — big bulky frames with large radiation-protective lenses that fit over your existing scripted eyewear inside them.
While they may sound convenient, fitovers are heavier due to the large leaded lenses, bulkier, and less comfortable. Because they don’t mold to your face, they often leave gaps, slip during long procedures, and add significant extra weight to your nose and ears.
1.2 What Are Prescription Lead Glasses?
Prescription lead glasses are fitted with leaded lenses (that provide radiation protection) in one frame. Instead of doubling up on eyewear, you get a single pair of glasses that are lighter, better fitting, and built for all-day comfort.
These glasses are custom-made with your prescription, ensuring crystal-clear vision and maximum radiation coverage without the discomfort of stacking frames. Whilst the weight can increase with high prescription, usually the weight of prescription leaded glasses are below the weight of fitovers.
2. Weight: The Biggest Factor
Fitover Lead Glasses are heavy. Usually, X-Ray protective Fitovers weigh between 100–120 grams. Add your own prescription glasses underneath (typically 25–35 grams), and you could be wearing up to 150 grams on your face during a procedure. That much weight leads to pressure on the nose, slipping frames, and fatigue over time.
Weight Comparison
2. Bulky & Awkward Fit
Fitover Lead Glasses are designed to sit on top of your normal scripted glasses. This makes them bulky, oversized, and awkward. They often don’t sit securely, and can easily slip out of position during procedures.
Prescription lead glasses, on the other hand, are streamlined and purpose-built. They look and feel like normal glasses, with the radiation protection seamlessly integrated.
3. Coverage & Protection
Because fitovers sit further away from your face, they create gaps around the sides and bottom. These gaps can let scatter radiation through, reducing their effectiveness.
Prescription lead glasses fit snugly and securely, providing better protection and coverage where you need it most.
4. Visual Clarity
Stacking two sets of lenses (your glasses + fitovers) often results in:
- Glare and reflections
- Reduced clarity
- Extra eye strain
Prescription lead glasses combine your prescription and radiation protection into a single clear lens, eliminating distortion.
5. Cost vs Value
Yes, prescription lead glasses can cost more upfront — typically around 33% more than fitovers for single vision lenses, and up to double the price for multifocals.
But here’s the bigger picture: The weight savings and comfort outweigh the cost difference.
- They’re tax deductible.
- With Safeloox, you can
- now claim prescription lead glasses with your health fund.
- also choose Afterpay and instalment plans — making protection more affordable.
When you factor in long-term comfort, safety, and financial support options, prescription lead glasses are an investment in your health and career.
Quick Comparison: Fitover vs Prescription Lead Glasses
| Features | Fitover Lead Glasses | Prescription Lead Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 100–120 g + your glasses (total up to 150 g) | 80–90 g with prescription |
| Comfort | Heavy, presses on nose/ears, slips easily | Light, balanced, made for you |
| Fit | Bulky, oversized, sits over existing glasses | Streamlined, looks and feels like regular glasses |
| Radiation Protection | Gaps around edges, less effective coverage | Snug fit, maximum protection |
| Clarity | Double lenses cause glare & distortion | Single clear prescription lens |
| Cost | Lower upfront | ~33% more (single vision), double for multifocal — but tax deductible, health fund claimable, installment plans available |
The Bottom Line
While fitovers may seem convenient, the reality is they’re heavier, bulkier, less protective, and less comfortable. Prescription lead glasses are lighter, clearer, and tailored to you — making them the best choice for professionals who spend hours in radiation environments.
👉 Your safety is worth it. Invest in prescription lead glasses, not fitovers.