The Value of Safety Eyewear: At Work, At Home and At Play

Every year, approximately 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the U.S., both in and outside the workplace. It's estimated that nearly 50,000 of those victims lost some degree of their eyesight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), ninety (90%) of eye injuries could have been prevented by safety eyewear. Eye injuries can happen anywhere – at work, at home or at play. Safety eyewear is the first and foremost form of protection against them

At Work

Eye hazards exist within many workplace settings and the most common eye injuries are caused by particles or objects, such as glass or dust, striking or scraping the eye. While 61 percent of eye injuries occur in manufacturing, construction or trade jobs, they are also common in offices, hospitals and laboratories.

• Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses: These are mostly used for protection from dust, chips or flying particles. Side shields and wraparound-style safety glasses provide additional protection from dangers in the periphery.
• Goggles: These provide a protective shield around the eyes to secure against many hazards, including impact, dust and chemical splashes.
• Face shields and helmets: Usually for welding or working with molten materials, face shields and helmets protect from heat, chemical or blood borne pathogens should be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles.

If a need for safety eyewear exists, employers must provide individually sized and fitted safety eyeglasses to each employee. They should also enforce its use.


At Home

The majority of eye injuries happen at home, often during lawn work or in the kitchen, resulting in abrasions, lacerations, or other eye irritations.

At Play

Eye injuries can occur in most any sport but are common in baseball and racquet sports, which involve flying objects at high speeds. Many eye injuries also occur during contact sports like basketball and ice hockey. Safety eyewear is especially important in paintball.

Choose the Right Eyeglasses

20/20 Eyeglass Superstore's eye care professional is well versed in the safety eyewear options. Drop into 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore for all your child’s eye care needs. We have a frame for every face and a price for any budget. We also have Independent Optometrists located on site who will be happy to examine your vision.

• All safety eyewear should be made of polycarbonate lenses which provide the highest level of impact protection (as well as ultraviolet protection, which is a plus on the sports field).
• Safety eyewear used in sports.
• Allow time to adjust to your safety eyewear.
• Keep the eyewear on at all times during the activity.

Your eyes are complex and delicate organs. We don't always notice the risks that many day-to-day activities pose. Using safety eyewear can significantly decrease your risks of suffering a devastating eye injury.


To read the original article on davisvision.com, click here.