#Japan #Osaka #X-GUARD BieW #Tokuyama #Showa Optical

Introduction

In an impressive collaboration between Showa Optical Co., Ltd. and Tokuyama Corporation, alongside Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, groundbreaking lead-free radiation protection glasses targeting medical professionals are set for release. Branded as "for® X-GUARD BieW", these innovative glasses are scheduled to hit the market in July 2025, heralding a new era in protective eyewear.

Product Overview

The product utilizes a unique radiation protection material developed by Tokuyama that is both lead-free and environmentally friendly. Traditional radiation protection glasses employ lead, which poses challenges in disposal, as they can become industrial waste upon disposal. In contrast, these new glasses utilize a transparent protective material made of bismuth, which has been synthesized through Tokuyama's proprietary technology. Thanks to its low environmental toxicity, this material allows for standard disposal methods, significantly reducing its ecological footprint.

Performance and Features

One of the standout attributes of the "for® X-GUARD BieW" glasses is their equivalent radiation protection performance compared to lead-based eyewear, which is crucial in medical settings. In addition to meeting safety standards, these glasses boast high shock resistance and reduced optical distortion, enhancing user comfort. Moreover, they are designed to minimize fogging and offer antibacterial and antiviral properties, thereby surpassing typical radiation protection eyewear.

Lens Features

• - Lead-Free Lens: The glasses incorporate the newly developed "XS83" lens, designed based on the Chrennik elliptical theory with six curves for superior optical performance.
• - Impact Resistant: The lenses pass FDA impact resistance tests, ensuring they are robust under various conditions.
• - Anti-Fog Capability: Leveraging the lens materials' inherent anti-fogging properties, visibility is maintained, even under stressful conditions.
• - Coatings: They feature a hard coat to reduce scratches, an AR coat for enhanced light transmittance, and a coating that increases cleanliness.

Frame Features

• - Lead-Free Coating: The frames are coated with a new lead-free radiation protection coat to effectively shield against scattered radiation from various angles.
• - Model Variations: There are two models: G601, designed for use over prescription glasses, and P601, which can be customized with prescription lenses.

Upcoming Exhibition

Showa Optical will showcase these lead-free bismuth radiation protection glasses at ITEM2025, a major international medical imaging exhibition held at Pacifico Yokohama. Attendees can visit the Takasago Trading booth (C1-09) during the event, which runs from April 11 to April 13, 2025.

Research Collaboration

The research team at Tohoku University, led by lecturer Yohei Inaba, has actively worked with Tokuyama on this initiative. Their study confirmed that the lenses exhibit excellent X-ray protective effects, maintaining a protective efficacy of approximately 77-95% against X-ray exposure. This positions the new glasses as a viable alternative within the marketplace, combining safety and environmental consciousness.

Conclusion

These advancements brought forth by the collaboration signal not only a step towards safer medical practices but also reflect a broader commitment to sustainability within the healthcare sector. The launch of the "for® X-GUARD BieW" glasses is anticipated to ease the strains faced by healthcare professionals, making it a significant development in medical imaging protection.

For further information regarding product inquiries, contact Tokuyama Corporation or Showa Optical Co., Ltd.