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PROTECTING YOUR EYES WITH SAFETY EYEWEAR

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Each year, more than 700,000 Americans injure their eyes at work and 125,000 Americans injure their eyes at home. However, almost 90% of these eye injuries could have been prevented with the use of safety eyewear.*

SAFETY GLASSES VS. REGULAR EYEGLASSES

In comparison to regular glasses, safety glasses are designed and tested to meet safety regulations for enhanced protection. Safety glasses must have higher durability, the lenses and frames must be impact resistant, and they must pass a series of tests. Regular glasses to do not have these standards.

LENS MATERIALS

The lens materials used in safety eyewear undergo numerous tests to determine safety classification and impact resistance. Safety eyewear commonly uses polycarbonate material for impact-resistant lenses. This material is half the weight of glass and makes for lighter and more comfortable wear.

PRESCRIPTION SAFETY EYEWEAR

In most cases, safety goggles do not have prescription lenses and are used primarily for eye protection. However, goggles can be made with prescription lenses to accommodate those who need corrective eyewear.

STANDARDS FOR SAFETY EYEWEAR

In the United States, the American National Standards Institute is the non-profit organization that sets the quality and safety standards for eye safety devices including eyeglasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, and full face respirators. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the department of US Department of Labor that oversees workplace safety. Your employer should inform you what type of safety eyewear you need for the job.

SYMBOLS TO LOOK FOR ON SAFETY EYEWEAR

  • Having a plus mark (+) on eyewear means the lenses passed the high-velocity test. Without a plus mark, they pass the basic impact test.
  • (V) means they are photochromic and (S) means the lens has a special tint. The glasses marked with (V) and (S) protect your eyes from light damage when soldering, brazing, cutting, and welding.
  • Z87 the frames pass basic impact.
  • Z87+ the frames pass high impact.
  • Z87-2 the frames pass basic impact and have prescription lenses.

WHEN DO I NEED TO WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR?

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

Some jobs require protective eyewear. A good rule of thumb is if you work in an area with loose particles, flying objects, chemicals, or dust, you should wear safety glasses. Some occupations have a higher risk for eye injury including construction, manufacturing, auto repair, electrical work, welding, mining, carpentry, plumbing, and maintenance.

HOME RISKS

If you are working on repairs, renovations, painting, or yard work at your home you should wear protective eyeglasses. For home tasks such as mowing the lawn, trimming, and other power tool activities it is recommended to use frames with side shields to protect from flying particles and objects.

SPORTS SAFETY

Protective eyewear should be worn in a variety of sports. For active sports, elastic bands can help to secure the glasses on players’ heads. Hunting and shooting sport athletes should wear high impact frames and lenses, which protects their eyes from possible ricochet. Fish hooks can cause serious eye injuries; the best choice is a wrap-style frame with safety lenses. Protective eyewear can help to prevent eye injuries.

  • All About Vision

Written by Dr. Megan Lind

Dr. Lind received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry degree at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. Afterwards she completed a primary care/ocular disease residency at the VA Boston Healthcare System – West Roxbury campus. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Lind has worked in various clinical settings in the Milwaukee area and has a strong interest in comprehensive eye care and the medical management of ocular disease.

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