What is the purpose of pencil eye shields in treatment?

Pencil eye shields are specifically designed for the purpose of shielding the eye lens during radiation treatment. The eye lens is particularly sensitive to radiation exposure, which can lead to complications such as cataracts if it receives an excessive dose. By utilizing these shields, healthcare professionals can effectively protect the eyes from radiation while still delivering targeted treatment to other areas. This is crucial in ensuring that patients maintain their vision and overall eye health following therapy.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of pencil eye shields. While stabilization or anxiety reduction may be relevant in different aspects of patient care, they do not pertain to the protective role that pencil eye shields provide to the eye lens specifically. Adjusting the treatment field is also a separate aspect of treatment planning and does not involve the use of eye shields. Thus, the primary and most relevant function of pencil eye shields is indeed to shield the eye lens from unnecessary radiation exposure.