An x-ray shielded imaging detector is disclosed. In one embodiment, the x-ray shielded imaging detector comprises a scintillator, a photodetector, and an optical connection between the scintillator and the photodetector. The x-ray shielded imaging detector also includes a first high density shielding material adjacent the optical connection. The first high density shielding material absorbs x-ray energy and attenuates it before the x-ray energy reaches the photodetector when the x-ray energy impinges on the x-ray shielded imaging detector at an angle other than perpendicular to a major axis of the scintillator and the photodetector. Other embodiments and related methods of operating an x-ray system are also disclosed.