Common Eye Injuries In The Workplace
Thousands of workers sustain eye injuries on the job every day. Without proper protection, simple mistakes can do serious damage. Wearing safety glasses is the best way to protect your eyes and maintain healthy vision.
Types of Eye Injuries in the Workplace
Eye injuries happen in every industry. Factories, construction sites, and labs are all high-risk locations — but eye damage can happen anywhere.
Most eye injuries involve debris scraping or getting stuck in the eye. Contaminants like dust and metal slivers get thrown around and damage the cornea, which may lead to vision loss.
Environments with less debris are still risky. Workers handling toxic gasses and liquids may experience chemical burns, and high-heat tools like welders can cause thermal injuries.
Puncture wounds are also common. Without safety glasses, debris and equipment can poke into the eye — a high-risk injury that can cause blindness.
Eye Injury Prevention and Treatment in the Workplace
Most eye injuries are preventable with a few simple rules. Follow these safety guidelines to keep everyone safe:
- Wear safety glasses
Protective eyewear is essential. It’s your first line of defense against injuries, and it could save your vision. Safety glasses should fit securely and stay in place when you move. Workers who handle hazardous liquids or gasses should use fully sealed goggles with gaskets. Anyone working around lots of debris should add side shields to block threats from all directions.
- Choose the right gear
Safety glasses must be at least 2 mm thick to block high-velocity debris. They should also feature scratch resistance and anti-glare coatings so you can see clearly and stay focused. For outdoor jobs or welding projects, choose tinted lenses to safeguard against vision loss. Remember to check for cracks or damage before wearing safety glasses — broken glasses won’t protect you.
- Stay organized
Eye protection can only do so much in dirty or unorganized environments. Protect yourself with organization and planning. Remove hazardous debris and implement safety rules for dangerous chemicals. Make sure workers know how to properly use tools, and keep pathways clear for safe movement throughout the day.
If something goes wrong, it’s vital to have an emergency plan in place. Workers can perform basic treatment while waiting for professional medical help:
Small particles or debris in the eye. Do not rub the eye, this can cause scratches or tears. Blink several times and flush the eye with clean water to remove the particles. Visit a doctor if you can’t remove the debris or if symptoms don’t improve.
Punctures or cuts in the eye. Get medical attention right away. Shield the eye with protective glasses until you can get emergency assistance. Do not press the shield against the eye. Do not attempt to rinse with water or remove debris.
Chemicals or gasses in the eye. Flush the eye with clean water right away and seek medical attention immediately.
Reduce Eye Injuries in the Workplace by Shopping with Ocusafe
The best way to avoid eye injuries is to wear safety glasses. At Ocusafe, we make protective glasses for everyone with affordable frames and custom lenses. Choose standard or prescription glasses for sharp vision and safe eyes on the job. Order today and have protection shipped straight to your door.
Marc Weinstein
Dr. Weinstein's interest in eyecare was sparked at a young age when he struggled in school due to an undiagnosed eye condition. Once he received a diagnosis and underwent vision therapy prescribed by an optometrist, his life changed. This experience ignited his passion for optometry and improving people's lives through better vision.
With a career dedicated to optometry, Dr. Weinstein has made significant contributions to the field. In October 2000, he launched the website 39dollarglasses.com to address the affordability of prescription eyeglasses. 39DollarGlasses offers lightweight and shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses as well as hundreds of stylish frames at affordable prices, making quality eyewear accessible to more people.
His understanding of the crucial role that protective eyewear plays in preventing eye injuries and his unwavering commitment to eye safety led Dr. Weinstein to launch Ocusafe.com. Ocusafe™ offers a collection of high-quality safety glasses that meet the highest industry standards for durability and effectiveness. Through Ocusafe™, Dr. Weinstein aims to fulfill the needs of individuals and companies seeking top-quality safety eyewear and prioritize eye safety in various industries and activities.
Dr. Weinstein is dedicated to educating patients about the benefits of different lens enhancements, which can improve vision and provide relief for various conditions. These enhancements have a positive impact on migraines, sleep, and photophobia. His passion for this cause has resulted in the introduction of Neurolux™ headache lenses on 39dollarglasses.com and Ocusleep™ lenses, available at Ocusleep.com. He also launched Onlinecontacts.com to meet the growing demand for safe contact lenses.
Dr. Weinstein earned his doctorate from the Illinois College of Optometry and completed his residency in Low Vision and Geriatrics at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. In addition to his professional pursuits, he enjoys traveling, sports, and spending quality time with his wife and three children.