Monitoring the Hp(3) lens dose in occupationally exposed workers (OEW) in hemodynamics services is essential for assessing and minimizing risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. A threshold dose of 0.5 Gy is considered capable of causing cataracts, and a limit of 20 mSv/year has been established (1-2). Therefore, it is crucial to estimate lens doses for personnel in these environments. This research aims to monitor staff using personal dosimeters for the lens to assess doses, providing a broader insight into radiological protection practices, as current monitoring primarily focuses on whole-body and extremity dosimetry.

This study was conducted in two hospitals in Managua, Nicaragua, from April 2023 to May 2024, involving a total of 16 occupationally exposed workers (6 OEW from one institution and 10 from the other). The objective was to assess the accumulated dose in the lens, the distribution of doses according to the workers' roles, and the frequency of monthly procedures they participated in. The monitoring period was stablished at the beginning for a montly frequency however in the last six months the frequency became every two months.

Special lens dosimeters were provided to each OEW, monitoring the doses in both eyes using MCP-N TLD dosimeters and lens holders from Rad pro int., The dosimetry reading system is a RADOS RE-2000 model located at the External Dosimetry Laboratory (LDE) of the Radiation Physics and Metrology Research Center (CIF-RAM) of the UNAN-Managua. The equipment were acquired with the support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with the training of professionals through national and regional projects such as RLA9085 and RLA9091.

Results indicated significant variations in the estimated doses among different health specialist occupations and between the two institutions. In institution "A," accumulated doses Hp(3)  in the left eye ranged from 1.32 mSv to 6.00 mSv, while in the right eye they ranged from 1.13 mSv to 2.89 mSv. In institution "B," accumulated doses Hp(3) in the left eye varied from 0.90 mSv to 3.49 mSv, and in the right eye from 1.08 mSv to 3.84 mSv. Cardiologists and nurses were among the most exposed, highlighting the need for specific radiological protection strategies. None of the OEW exceeded annual dose limits; however, continuous dose monitoring remains crucial.