Which of the following is a critical practice for radiologic technologists to prevent radiation-induced cataracts?

Wearing leaded glasses is a critical practice for radiologic technologists to prevent radiation-induced cataracts because the eyes are particularly sensitive to radiation exposure. Leaded glasses provide a barrier that protects the eyes from scattered radiation, significantly reducing the likelihood of cataracts developing as a result of cumulative radiation exposure over time. This protective measure is essential since cataracts can develop insidiously and may not present symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Other protective measures, while important in radiation safety overall, do not specifically target the eye protection needed to prevent cataracts. For instance, wearing lead gloves protects the hands, and using a thyroid shield guards the neck area, but neither addresses the radiation exposure risk to the eyes directly. Decreasing exposure time is a general principle of radiation safety applicable to minimizing exposure for all body parts, but it does not provide the specific protective benefits that leaded eyewear offers to the eyes. Therefore, wearing leaded glasses is the most focused and effective practice for protecting against radiation-induced cataracts in this scenario.