Summer is wrapping up, and perhaps you’re busy daydreaming about all the popsicles, barbecues, and fun in the sun you can squeeze in while the weather’s still warm. But before you get too carried away, take a brief moment to consider something that’s always important but becomes especially vital during summertime: wearing safety eyewear. Safety glasses are one of the simplest yet most effective tools you can use to protect your eyes. However, knowing when to wear safety glasses isn’t always obvious. Scroll down to learn about all the various situations in which safety glasses could prevent serious injuries and perhaps even save your vision.
When Eye Protection Is a Must
First of all, if your job involves activities that threaten your eye health, you should already be well acquainted with protective eyewear. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 2,000 workers in the United States experience a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment every day.
These injuries vary in their cause and severity. For example, a harmful substance might injure the eye, a foreign object may become stuck in the eye, or you might be struck in the eye. In most of these situations, you can protect your eyes by simply wearing impact-resistant safety glasses. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide eye protection whenever they might be exposed to potential eye injuries during their work. Industries where eye protection is sometimes necessary include manufacturing, construction, landscaping, auto repair, plumbing, woodworking, agriculture, mining, metal fabrication, laboratory work, and health care.
You might be used to seeing people in certain professions wearing safety glasses, but unfortunately, many people overlook the numerous at-home activities that also require eye protection. All of the following activities have a risk of eye injuries:
- Mowing the lawn
- Performing other yardwork (pruning bushes, using a weed trimmer, etc.)
- Handling fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers
- Chopping wood
- Using power tools
- Drilling, sawing, or sanding
- Removing old home fixtures or drywall
- Using strong cleaning products (bleach, ammonia, etc.)
- Spraying pesticides or disinfectants
- Fixing plumbing issues or dealing with pressurized systems
- Removing rust, paint, or adhesives
- Cooking with grease
- Cooking over an open flame
- Doing car repairs or maintenance
- Using bungee cords to secure heavy loads
- Hunting, shooting, and fishing
- Handling fireworks
That last one might surprise you, but fireworks are actually one of the leading causes of eye injuries during holidays like the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve! So, if you’re wondering when to wear safety glasses, make a note that they’re a must anytime you plan to set off fireworks.
What to Look for in Safety Glasses
Everyone should have a pair of safety glasses or safety goggles at home. If you’re shopping for safety eyewear for the first time, look out for these features:
- A Z87+ rating. This indicates that the frame meets standards set by the American National Standards Institute.
- A comfortable and adjustable frame. If it’s not comfortable, you’re not likely to wear it! Choose a frame that doesn’t pinch your nose or feel loose. An adjustable frame is also helpful, especially if you plan to share the glasses with other family members.
- Protective polycarbonate lenses. These lightweight, durable lenses will shield your eyes from hazardous contaminants.
- Small (or nonexistent) gaps at the hinges. Bigger gaps increase your exposure to hazards.
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Your eyesight is priceless, so protecting it should never be an afterthought. Now that you know when to wear safety glasses, make sure that you have a protective pair handy for weekend projects, firework shows, lawn care, and whatever else life throws at you. Additionally, why not share this valuable information with your friends and family? Life-changing injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, and you’ll never regret being proactive about your own eye health or helping your loved ones do the same.
Looking for a new eye doctor? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an email to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!