Your eyes are not easily replaced. Although you can use corrective lenses to help regain focus following some injuries the loss of your sight is not as simple. Therefore it is imperative that you wear protective eyewear on the job and at home when your eyes are at risk of injury.

Risk Factors

There are a number of issues that can put your eyes at risk. Splashes can occur from chemicals as well as blood and bodily fluids in the medical profession. Foreign objects can shatter and enter the eye and even heat particles from welding or even campfires can cause injury to your eye. Some sports can put your eyes at risk as well.

Understanding the requirements for eye protection both on your job, and when participating in activities and doing many household chores or hobbies is important to lessen your risk of eye injury. According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour protective eyewear must be worn when there is any danger of “flying objects, particles, liquids, sprays or other matter entering the eyes.” Eye protection can include safety glasses, goggles or full face protection.

Sports and Activities

There are many sports and activities that logic dictates you should be wearing protective eyewear or face protection. Any sport with an object that can hit your eye such as hockey, racquet ball, badminton and squash should use protection from flying objects. As well activities such as paint ball are a must for head gear and eye protection. People often do not think in terms of eye injuries when it comes to sports, however serious injuries can occur leading to loss of sight or damaged vision. If you are a swimmer goggles are highly recommended as there can be damaging chemicals, bacteria and even floating objects that can cause eye injuries.

Home Chores

Some common household chores that require eye protection can include mowing the lawn, using a snow or leaf blower, working with power tools and using chemicals. All of these chores can lead to eye injuries including dangerous chemical splashes that can cause permanent damage to your vision.

Most Common Eye Injuries

By wearing the appropriate eye protection you will avoid these painful and often life altering injuries:
• Scratched eyes
• Penetrating injuries or foreign objects
• Chemical burns
• Black eyes and trauma
• Subconjunctival hemorrhages
• Traumatic iritis
• Hyphemas and blowout fractures

Be smart and protect your eyes whenever injury can occur.