PREVENTING EYE INJURIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Are children at risk? .......................................................................................................... 19
Auto Battery Safety ........................................................................................................... 31
Battery Safety Precautions ................................................................................................ 31
Be Prepared with Emergency Eyewash Stations............................................................... 25
Biology of the Eye ............................................................................................................. 4
Cataracts .......................................................................................................................... 14
Chemical Burns................................................................................................................. 32
Choosing the Right Eye Protection for the Job .................................................................. 24
Color Vision Deficiency ..................................................................................................... 16
Common Eye Problems .................................................................................................... 5
Computer and Your Eyes .................................................................................................. 28
Cuts and Punctures to the Eye or Eyelid ........................................................................... 32
Do Any Eye Medications Cause Side Effects? ................................................................. 12
Does safety eye protection work? ..................................................................................... 8
Effects of Aging ................................................................................................................. 4
Eye drop Medication ......................................................................................................... 29
Eye Injury Problems .......................................................................................................... 9
Eye Medications................................................................................................................ 11
Eyewash Stations: Know Your Options ............................................................................. 26
Firework Injuries................................................................................................................ 30
Floaters ............................................................................................................................. 15
Glaucoma ......................................................................................................................... 20
Hazardous Products to Children’s Eyes ............................................................................ 28
How Can I Prevent Side Effects? ...................................................................................... 13
How can the eyes be protected from UV radiation? .......................................................... 19
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
Make Informed Safety Decisions ....................................................................................... 27
Muscles, Nerves and Blood Vessels ................................................................................. 5
Nutrition for Eyes .............................................................................................................. 10
Occupational Eye Injuries ................................................................................................. 8
Protective Features ........................................................................................................... 5
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Page No.
Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 31
Retinal Tears and Detachment.......................................................................................... 15
Specks in the Eye ............................................................................................................. 33
Sunlight-related eye disease ............................................................................................. 18
Symptoms ......................................................................................................................... 20
The Story Behind the Numbers ......................................................................................... 24
Ultraviolet Radiation Hazards in Sunlight .......................................................................... 17
What are the common causes of eye injuries? .................................................................. 7
What Does the Future Hold for Eye Medicines? ................................................................ 13
What factors increase the risk? ......................................................................................... 19
What is the best defense against an eye injury? ............................................................... 7
What is the difference between glass, plastic, and polycarbonate safety lenses ............... 8
What Is the Proper Use of Eye Medications? .................................................................... 11
What part of the UV radiation is harmful to the eye? ......................................................... 17
What type of safety eye protection should I wear? ............................................................ 7
What type of safety eyewear is available to me? ............................................................... 7
When should I protect my eyes at work? ........................................................................... 7
Who is at risk? .................................................................................................................. 18
Why Are Eye Medications Needed? .................................................................................. 11
Why Do I Need Sunglasses? ............................................................................................ 10
Workplace Eye Safety is as Simple as 1 – 2 – 3 ............................................................... 23
Workplace Eye Safety ....................................................................................................... 6
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EYE SAFETY
Introduction
Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been
prevented with proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Eye injuries alone cost
more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker
compensation.
OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye
and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical,
environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.
Biology of the Eye
The structures and functions of the eyes are complex. Each eye constantly adjusts the amount
of light it lets in, focuses on objects near and far, and produces continuous images that are
instantly transmitted to the brain.
Effects of Aging
In middle age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and less able to thicken, and thus less
able to focus on nearby objects, a condition called presbyopia. Reading glasses or bifocal
lenses can help compensate for this problem.
In old age, changes to the sclera (the white of the eye) include yellowing or browning due to
many years of exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust, random splotches of pigment (more
common in people with a dark complexion) and a blush hue due to increased transparency of
the sclera.
The number of mucous cells in the conjunctiva may decrease with age. Tear production may
also decrease with age, so that fewer tears are available to keep the surface of the eye moist.
Both of these charges explain why older people are more likely to have dry eyes.
Arcus senilis (a deposit of calcium and cholesterol salts) appears as a gray-white ring at the
edge of the cornea. It is common in people older than 60. Arcus senillis does not affect vision.
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Some diseases of the retina are more likely to occur in old age, including macular degeneration
diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. Other eye diseases, such as cataracts, also
become common.
Muscles, Nerves and Blood Vessels
Several muscles working together move the eye, allowing people to look in different directions
without moving their head. Each eye muscle is stimulated by a specific cranial nerve. The optic
nerve (a cranial nerve), which carries impulses from the retina to the brain, as well as other
cranial nerves, which transmit impulses to each eye muscle, travel through the orbit.
An ophthalmic artery and a central retinal artery (an artery that branches off of the ophthalmic
artery) provide blood to each eye; similarly, ophthalmic veins (vortex veins) and a central retinal
vein drain blood from the eye. These blood vessels enter and leave through the back of the eye.
Protective Features
The bony structures of the orbit protrude beyond the surface of the eye. They protect the eye
while allowing it to move freely in a wide arc.
The eyelashes are short, tough hairs that grow from the edge of the eyelid. The upper lashes
are longer than the lower lashes and turn upward. The lower lashes turn downward. Eyelashes
keep insects and foreign particles away from the eye by acting as a physical barrier and by
causing the person to blink reflexively at the slightest provocation.
The upper and lower eyelids are thin flaps of skin that can cover the eye. They reflexively close
quickly (blink) to form a mechanical barrier that protects the eye from foreign objects, wind dust,
insects and very bright light. The reflex is triggered by the sight of an approaching object on the
surface of the eye, or the eyelashes being exposed to wind or small particles such as dust or
insects. On the moist back surface of the eyelid, the conjunctiva loops around to cover the front
surface of the eyeball, right up to the edge of the cornea. The conjunctiva protects the sensitive
tissues underneath it.
Common Eye Problems
Common types of eye problems include:
Drainage from the eyes or excessive tearing
Eyestrain or vision changes
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Misaligned eyes or strabismus
Blood in the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
Eyelid problems
Contact lens problems
Color blindness
Night blindness
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Retinal problems, such as diabetic retinopathy
Red eyes that may be caused by infection, inflammation, or tumors
Uveitis
Macular degeneration
It is common for the eyes to be irritated or have a scratchy feeling. Pain is not a common eye
problem unless there has been an injury. It is not unusual for the eyes to be slightly sensitive to
light. But sudden, painful sensitivity to light is a serious problem that may mean glaucoma or
inflammation of the muscles that control the pupil (iritis) and should be evaluated by your doctor.
Sudden problems such as new vision changes, pain in the eye, or increased drainage are often
more serious and need to be evaluated by a doctor. Eye symptoms that are new or that occur
suddenly may be evaluated by an emergency medicine specialist. Ongoing (chronic) eye
problems that may be worsening are usually evaluated by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
Some children may have special risks for eye problems. Vision screening is recommended for
infants who were either born at or before 30 weeks, whose birth weight was below 3.3 lb (1500
g), or who have serious medical conditions. Most vision problems are noticed first by the
parents. See tips for spotting eye problems in your child. The first screening is recommended
between 4 and 7 weeks after birth.
Workplace Eye Safety
Why is eye safety at work important?
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Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. More than 2,000 people injure their eyes at
work each day. About 1 in 10 injuries require one or more missed workdays to recover from the
total amount of work-related injuries, 10%-20% will cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
Experts believe that the right eye protection could have lessened the severity or even prevented
90% of eye injuries in accidents.
What are the common causes of eye injuries?
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Flying objects (bits of metal, glass
Tools
Particles
Chemicals
Harmful radiation
Any combination of these or other hazards.
What is the best defense against an eye injury?
There are three things you can do to help prevent eye injury.

Know the eye safety dangers at work-complete an eye hazard assessment.
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Eliminate hazards before starting work. Use machine guarding, work screens, or other
engineering controls.
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Use proper eye protection.
When should I protect my eyes at work?
You should wear safety eyewear whenever there is a chance of eye injury. Anyone working in
or passing through areas that pose eye hazards should wear protective eyewear.
What type of safety eyewear is available to me?
Safety eyewear protection includes:
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Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
Goggles
Face shields
Welding helmets
Full-face respirators
What type of safety eye protection should I wear?
The type of safety eye protection you should wear depends on the hazards in your workplace. If
you are working in an area that has particles, flying objectives, or dust, you must at least wear
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safety glasses with side protection (side shields). If you are working with chemicals, you should
wear goggles. If you are working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fiber optics) you
must use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that
task.
What is the difference between glass, plastic, and polycarbonate safety lenses?
All three types of safety lenses meet or exceed the requirements for protecting your eye.
Glass lenses
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Are not easily scratched
Can be used around harsh chemicals
Can be made in your corrective prescription
Are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable
Plastic Lenses
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Are lighter weight
Protect against welding splatter
Are not likely to fog
Are not as scratch-resistant as glass
Polycarbonate Lenses
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Are lightweight
Protect against welding splatter
Are not likely to fog
Are stronger than glass and plastic
Are not as scratch resistant as glass
Does safety eye protection work?
Yes, eye protection does work. More than 86,000 people who avoided losing their sight in a
workplace accident because they were wearing proper eye protection.
Occupational Eye Injuries
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There are more than 15,000 welding equipment-related eye injuries a year, according to the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Power tools come in second, contributing to
nearly 10,000 eye injuries a year. Wear the correct safety eyewear so you aren’t a statistic.
Ninety-percent of all workplace eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety
eyewear. Tips on how to prevent eye injuries in the workplace as follows:

Inspect work areas, access routes and equipment. Identify operations and areas that
present eye hazards.

Uncorrected vision problems can cause accidents.
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Select protective eyewear designed for a specific duty or hazard.
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Establish a 100% mandatory program that requires eye protection in all operation areas
of your plant.
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To ensure that eyewear is adequate, have it fitted by an eye care professional or
someone trained.
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Conduct ongoing educational programs to establish, maintain and reinforce the need for
protective eyewear.
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Management should set an example by wearing protective eyewear whenever and
wherever needed.
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Continually review and, when needed, revise your accident prevention policies.
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Display a copy of the policy in areas where workers go, and include a review of the
policy in new employee orientation.
Eye Injury Problems
Injury is probably the most under-recognized major health problem facing the nation. The study
of injury presents unparalleled opportunities for reducing morbidity, and for realizing significant
savings in both financial and human terms.
An estimated 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. annually. Nearly 35% of these eye injuries
happen to persons age 17 and younger. A foreign body in the eye is the most common type of
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injury, accounting for 35% of the total. Open wounds and contusions each account for about
25%, and the remaining injuries are burns.
The average worker’s compensation payment for disabling eye injuries is estimated at $6,606.
This includes indemnity compensation and medical payments. The total direct cost of workers’
compensation claims for disabling eye injuries in the workplace can be estimated at $924
million.
Why Do I Need Sunglasses?
Recently, the Chilean miners who were rescued after 69 days underground with no daylight.
The miners could face a risk for possible light damage to the retina. There was also the potential
for solar retinopathy in which the photoreceptors (the cells within the eye that capture light – can
deteriorate.
Oakley donated sunglasses for the 33 miners in an effort to help ease the rescued heroes back
into life above ground.
Sunglasses can help your eyes in two important ways. They help filter light and they protect
against the damaging rays of the sun. Good sunglasses reduce glare and filter out 99% to
100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Three types of rays come from the sun – Visible (what you see as color), Infrared – invisible but
felt as heat; Ultraviolet – invisible but often called “sunburn rays.”
Anyone who spends time in the sun is at risk, but those who spend long hours in the sun
because of work or sports, have a higher health risk from UV rays. So many people who have
had cataract surgery and/or certain retinal disorders. Some people are more sensitive to UV
rays, including those who take certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth
control pills, tranquilizers, and diuretics, as they increase the eye’s sensitivity to light.
Nutrition for Eyes
There has been mounting evidence that dietary supplements can help prevent the onset and
progression of cataracts and age0related macular degeneration (AMD). However, clinical trials
had proven inconclusive until October 2001 when the National Eye Institute (NEI) released new
findings in their Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).
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The 9 year study tracked about 4,700 patients, ages 55-80 in 11 clinical centers nationwide.
Participants were given one of 4 treatments: 1) zinc alone; 2) antioxidants alone; 3) a
combination of antioxidants and zinc; or 4) a placebo, a harmless substance with no medical
effect.
AREDS suggested that pharmacological-level doses of zinc, vitamins C and E, and betacarotene may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Unfortunately, the nutrients did not lower the risk of cataract development.
Eye Medications
Eye medications are used to diagnose, treat and prevent eye diseases. Most eye medicines
need a prescription. However, artificial tears (to lubricate the eye) and ocular decongestants (to
decrease redness) are available as over-the-counter eye drops.
Eye drops and ointments (salves) are the most common ways to medicate the eye. Other routes
of administration are oral (tablets, capsules, liquids), intravenous and local injections (“shots”
around the eye).
Why Are Eye Medications Needed?
The most common therapeutic uses for eye medications include glaucoma, eye infections,
allergy and inflammation (redness) of the eye. Eye drops are also used for diagnostic purposes
to dilate (enlarge) the pupils or to dye the ocular surface for eye examinations. Additionally,
there are anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. These are used for some diagnostic tests or for
removing foreign objects from the cornea (the clear protective outer coat of the eye).
What Is the Proper Use of Eye Medications?
The proper way to use eye drops or ointments is:
1.
Wash your hands.
2.
Shake the container.
3.
Tilt your head back and look up.
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4.
Gently pull your lower lid away from the eye, forming a pouch.
5.
Into the pouch place one drop or 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ointment. Do not touch the eye
or eyelid with the container or dropper.
6.
For drops: For five minutes, do one of these methods. Either close your eye, or
with your eye open press your finger against the inner corner of your eyelid and
the side of your nose. This prevents the medication from entering the tear duct
and draining away. For ointment: Simply close your eye. Your vision may be
blurred for several minutes.
7.
Repeat with the other eye if needed.
8.
Replace the cap or dropper on the bottle or tube; tighten.
It takes five minutes for most of an eye drop to be absorbed into the eye. Wait at least five
minutes before instilling a second drop or between applying other eye medications.
Some people have difficulty knowing if they properly instilled eye drops. To help feel the drops
as they contact the eye, try refrigerating them.
Do Any Eye Medications Cause Side Effects?
Side effects in the eye—Eye drops can cause ocular side effects such as redness, stinging,
blurred vision, sensitivity to light and constriction (narrowing) of the pupils. A class of antiinflammatory drugs called corticosteroids (e.g., Pred Forte, Decadron) may cause cataracts,
glaucoma and eye infections with prolonged use. Therefore, use these medicines only as your
ophthalmologist prescribes. In rare cases ocular decongestant drops (e.g., Visine, Murine Plus)
can cause a type of acute (sudden) glaucoma. If you have a red, painful eye after using these
drops, call your eye doctor right away.
Repeated use of anesthetic eye drops can cause severe damage to the cornea. Sometimes
anesthetic eye drops are mistakenly prescribed after eye trauma, but they should never be used
for this purpose.
Ocular side effects also can occur from medicines used orally for conditions other than eye
diseases.
Side effects in other parts of the body—some eye drops can cause headaches or even systemic
side effects, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea and sweating. Although most systemic side
effects resulting from drops are mild, severe reactions can occur. The beta-blocker agents for
glaucoma treatment (e.g., Timoptic, Betagan, Betoptic) may cause adverse reactions. These
include slowing of the heart rate, asthma attacks, decrease in blood pressure, disorientation,
loss of memory and loss of sex drive. Diabetics should use these drugs with caution because
they may mask signs of low blood sugar.
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Drops used to dilate the pupils during an eye exam may sting. A few of these drops may cause
dryness of the skin and mouth, a rapid pulse or an increased heart rate or blood pressure in
some people. They also may rarely cause more serious side effects such as heart attacks or
strokes in persons with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or hardening of the
arteries. Ophthalmologists can avoid such problems by taking a medical, as well as ocular,
history before an eye exam. If you have one of these conditions, tell your eye doctor.
How Can I Prevent Side Effects?
It is important to tell your eye doctor and other doctors about all medications you are receiving,
including eye drops. Many patients forget about their eye drops when a nurse or doctor asks if
they are taking any medications. However, sometimes when eye drops are combined with other
medications or with anesthesia, severe complications can occur. Also inform your physician of
any allergies or other health problems.
The chance for systemic side effects increases with the use of multiple drops of eye
medications. The eye can hold one sixth of the amount of eye drop that most commercial
dropper bottles deliver. Excess medication either drips onto the cheek or flows into the
nasolacrimal system (the drainage system for tears; see illustration). If excess eye drops
traveling through the nasolacrimal system go into the blood stream, systemic side effects could
occur. This is why it is important to close your eye or press your finger in the corner of your eye
for five minutes before putting in a second drop.
Finally, remember to keep all medications out of the reach of children. Many eye drops could
cause severe side effects and possibly death if accidentally swallowed.
What Does the Future Hold for Eye Medicines?
Medical researchers are trying to find ways to reduce side effects of eye medications and make
them more effective and convenient to use. New glaucoma drugs are available that reduce
stinging, lessen the risk for systemic side effects and decrease the number of doses needed
each day.
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Cataracts
While cataracts affect nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older, cataracts can occur
among young adults or children. Risk factors that may lead to getting cataracts at a younger
age include:
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Intense hear or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Certain diseases, such as diabetes.
Inflammation in the eye.
Hereditary influences.
Events before birth, such as German measles in the mother.
Long-term steroid use.
Severe long-term nearsightedness (myopia).
Eye injuries.
Eye diseases.
Smoking
In cataract treatment, the clouded lens is surgically removed and then replace with an artificial
lens implant. If a patient has cataracts in both eyes, separate surgeries are scheduled.
Sometimes the membrane behind the implant may become cloudy after cataract surgery. Laser
treatment then may be used to open up the cloudy membrane.
Surgery is the only proven treatment for cataract. Cataracts cannot be treated with medicines.
Cataract surgery is a delicate operation. Yet, it is one of the safest operations done today.
More than 95% of surgeries are successful. Fewer than 5% of cases have complications such
as inflammation, bleeding, infection and retinal detachment. Patients often can see well enough
to resume normal activities a few days after having cataract surgery.
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Floaters
Occasionally, you may see small spots in your field of vision. These are commonly known as
floaters. A clear gel called the vitreous body fills the inside of the eye. If some of this gel forms
clumps, floaters can result. Floaters can also be caused by small flecks of protein or other
material that were trapped in the vitreous during the eye’s formation.
Even though they may seem to be in front of the eye, floaters actually are seen as shadows by
your retina. The retina is the light-sensitive, inner lay of the eye. Floaters appear in various
forms, such as dots, threads or cobwebs. Since they are within the eye, floaters move as the
eyes move; they may dart away when you try to look at them.
Over time, the vitreous gel shrinks and may detach from the retina. The pulling can cause tiny
amounts of bleeding. This is a common cause of floaters in people who are very nearsighted or
who have had a cataract operation. Less often, floaters may result from other eye surgery, eye
disease, eye injury or crystal-like deposits that form in the vitreos.
Most people sometimes see spots, and these can become more noticeable with age. Surgical
removal of floaters is rare and suggested in only the most severe cases.
Retinal Tears and Detachment
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve fibers and cells that covers the inside of the
back of the eyeball. In order for you to see, light must pass through the lens of the eye and
focus on the retina. The retina acts like a camera. It takes a “picture” and transmits the image
through the optic nerve to the brain.
Vitreous fluid, the gel-like material that fills the eyeball, is attached to the retina around the back
of the eye. If vitreous changes shape, it may pull away a piece of the retina with it, leaving a
tear. Once there is a tear, vitreous fluid can seep between the retina and the back wall of the
eye, causing the retina to pull away or detach.
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As you age, the vitreous fluid shrinks. This is a normal process that usually does not cause
retinal damage. However, inflammation or myopia (nearsightedness) may cause the vitreous to
pull away and can lead to a detached retina, you are at increased risk if you:
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have had eye surgery
have suffered an eye injury
family has a history of retinal problems
have diabetes
If part of the retina detaches, it will not function properly. It man produce a blind spot, blurred
vision or shadowy lines. Some have described the effect as a curtain closing over the eye.
Other symptoms may include suddenly seeing many floaters (spots) or flashes of light.
The only way to diagnose retinal tears is through a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor
will use a lighted magnification instrument to view the inside of your eye. Other diagnostic
instruments include certain types of contact lenses, slit lamp or ultrasound.
There are a number of options available to repair the tears and detachments:
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Laser photocoagulation.
Cryopexy is the use of extreme cold to cause scar information and seal the edges of a
retinal tear.
Liquid silicone may be injected to replace the vitreous fluid.
To repair actual retinal detachments, fluid must be drained from under the retina to
minimize the space between it and the eye wall.
Color Vision Deficiency (Color blindness)
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Abnormal color vision may vary from not being able to tell certain colors apart to not being able
to identify any color. An estimated 8% of males and fewer than 1% of females have color vision
problems. Most color vision problems run in families and are inherited and present at birth.
Heredity does not cause all color vision problems. One common problem happens from the
normal aging of the eye’s lens. The lens is clear at birth, but the aging process causes it to
darken and yellow. Certain medications as well as inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve
disease, may also affect normal color vision.
There are several ways to test color vision. Simpler tests involve colored figures placed against
a busy patterned background. A person with normal color vision can see the figures against the
background. Those with color vision deficiencies cannot see the symbols.
There is no cure for hereditary color vision deficiency. Many people with color vision deficiency
develop their own “system” or learn to identify colors by other means. Some people learn to tell
colors apart by brightness and location. Tinted eyeglasses may help some people with color
vision deficiencies tell the difference between certain colors.
Ultraviolet Radiation Hazards in Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comprises invisible high energy rays from the sun that lie just beyond
the violet/blue end of the visible spectrum. More than 97% of UV radiation is absorbed by the
anterior structures of the eye, although some of it does reach the light-sensitive retina.
There are good scientific reasons to be concerned that UV absorption by the eye may contribute
to age-related changes in the eye and a number of serious eye diseases. Protection can be
achieved by simple, safe and inexpensive methods such as wearing a wide brimmed hat and
using eyewear that absorbs UV radiation.
What part of the UV radiation is harmful to the eye?
Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into two components: UV-B represents the
short wavelength radiation (280 to 315 nanometers) that causes sunburn and predisposes to
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skin cancer, and the UV-A (315 to 380 nanometers) radiation that causes tanning and may
contribute to aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Clinical experience and evidence from accidents and experimental studies show that UV-B is
more damaging, presumably because it has higher energy. Most of the UV-B is absorbed by the
cornea and lens of the eye and can cause damage to these tissues. The retina may also be
damaged if exposed to UV-B. UV-A radiation has lower energy, but may also cause injury.
Sunlight contains much more UV-A than UV-B. Neither UV-B nor UV-A has been shown to be
beneficial to the eye, and neither contributes to vision. Optimal sun protection should screen out
both forms of UV radiation.
Sunlight-related eye disease
Ultraviolet radiation can play a role in the development of various ocular disorders including
age-related cataract, pterygium, cancer of the skin around the eye, photokeratitis and corneal
degenerative changes, and may contribute to age-related macular degeneration.
Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Cataracts are a
cloudiness of the lens inside the eye that develops over a period of many years. Laboratory
studies have implicated UV radiation as a cause of cataract. Furthermore, epidemiological
studies have shown that certain types of cataract are associated with a history of higher ocular
exposure to UV and especially UV-B radiation.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss in the U. S. for people
age 55 and older. Exposure to UV and intense violet/blue visible radiation is damaging to retinal
tissue in laboratory experiments; thus scientists have speculated that chronic UV or intense
violet/blue light exposure may contribute to degenerative processes in the retina.
Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye that may extend onto the clear cornea
where it can block vision. It is seen most commonly in people who work outdoors in the sun and
wind, and its prevalence is related to the amount of UV exposure. It can be removed surgically,
but often recurs, and can cause cosmetic concerns and visual loss if untreated.
Excessive UV exposure is well known to predispose to cancer of the skin, including the eyelids
and facial skin. Photokeratitis is essentially reversible sunburn of the cornea resulting from
excessive UV-B exposure. It occurs when someone spends hours on the beach or snow without
eye protection. It can be extremely painful for 1-2 days and can result in temporary loss of
vision. There is some indication that long-term exposure to UV-B can result in corneal and
conjunctival degenerative changes.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye disorders. Every person in every
ethnic group is susceptible to ocular damage from UV radiation that can lead to impaired vision.
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What factors increase the risk?
Any factor that increases sunlight exposure of the eyes will increase the risk for ocular damage
from UV radiation. Individuals whose work or recreation involves lengthy exposure to sunlight
are at greatest risk. Since UV radiation is reflected from surfaces such as snow, white sand and
water, the risk is particularly high on ski slopes, on the beach or while boating. The risk is
greatest during mid-day hours, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during summer months. Ultraviolet
radiation levels increase nearer the equator, so residents in the southern U.S. are at greater
risk. UV levels are also greater at high altitudes.
Since the human lens absorbs UV radiation, individuals who have had cataract surgery are at
increased risk of retinal injury from sunlight unless an UV-absorbing intraocular lens was
inserted at the time of surgery. Individuals with retinal dystrophies or other chronic retinal
diseases may be at greater risk since their retinas may be less resistant to normal exposure
levels.
Are children at risk?
Children are not immune to the risk of ocular damage from UV radiation. More UV is transmitted
to the retina of the child than to the retina of the adult. Children also typically spend more time
outdoors in the sunlight than adults do. Solar radiation damage to the eye may be cumulative
and may increase the risk of developing an ocular disorder later in life. It is prudent to protect
the eyes of children against UV radiation by having them wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and
sunglasses. Sunglasses for children, as with all glasses, should have lenses made of
polycarbonate because of their superior impact resistance.
How can the eyes be protected from UV radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation reaches the eye not only from the sky above, but also from the ground,
especially snow, sand, water and other highly reflective surfaces. Protection from sunlight can
be obtained by using both a brimmed hat or cap and UV-absorbing eyewear. A wide-brimmed
hat or cap will block up to 50% of the UV radiation and reduces the amount that may enter
above or around glasses. Ultraviolet absorbing eyewear provides the greatest degree of UV
protection, particularly if it has a wraparound design to limit the entry of peripheral rays of
sunlight.
Ideally, all types of eyewear, including prescription spectacles, contact lenses, sunglasses and
intraocular lens implants should absorb at least the full UV spectrum (UV-A and UV-B). UV
absorption can be incorporated into nearly all optical materials currently in use, is inexpensive
and does not interfere with vision. The degree of UV protection offered by eyewear is not
necessarily related to price.
For outdoor use in the bright sun, sunglasses that absorb 99-100% of the full UV spectrum from
280nm to 380nm are recommended. Lenses that also reduce much of the transmittance up to
400nm may provide additional protection for the retina. Such lenses should not be so strongly
colored as to affect recognition of traffic signals. Sunglasses should be dark enough to reduce
19
glare and squinting to a comfortable level. Polarization, anti-reflective coatings and otosensitive
darkening are additional features that are useful for certain visual situations, but do not, by
themselves, provide UV protection.
There is presently no uniform labeling of sunglasses that provides adequate information to the
consumer. Labels should be examined carefully to insure that the lenses purchased absorb 99100% of both UV-A and UV-B. Consumers are advised to be wary of claims that sunglasses
“block harmful UV” without providing the degree of protection in percent of UV-A and UV-B.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve
that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In many cases, damage to the optic
nerve is due to increased pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
Symptoms
OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
 Most people have NO symptoms until they begin to lose vision
 Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision (also called tunnel vision)
ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
 Symptoms may come and go at first, or steadily become worse
 Sudden, severe pain in one eye
 Decreased or cloudy vision
 Nausea and vomiting
 Rainbow-like halos around lights
 Red eye
 Eye feels swollen
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CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA






Symptoms are usually noticed when the child is a few months old
Cloudiness of the front of the eye
Enlargement of one eye or both eyes
Red eye
Sensitivity to light
Tearing
 Treatment
 The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma,
this is done using medications or surgery.
 Open-angle glaucoma treatment:
 Most people with open-angle glaucoma can be treated successfully with eye drops. Most
eye drops used today have fewer side effects than those used in the past. You may
need more than one type of drop. Some patients may also be treated with pills to lower
pressure in the eye. Newer drops and pills are being developed that may protect the
optic nerve from glaucoma damage.
 Some patients will need other forms of treatment, such as a laser treatment, to help
open the fluid outflow channels. This procedure is usually painless. Others may need
traditional surgery to open a new outflow channel.
 Angle-closure glaucoma treatment:
 Acute angle-closure attack is a medical emergency. Blindness will occur in a few days if
it is not treated. Drops, pills, and medicine given through a vein (by IV) are used to lower
pressure. Some people also need an emergency operation, called an iridotomy. This
procedure uses a laser to open a new channel in the iris. The new channel relieves
pressure and prevents another attack.
 Congenital glaucoma treatment:
 This form of glaucoma is almost always treated with surgery to open the outflow
channels of the angle. This is done while the patient is asleep and feels no pain (with
anesthesia).
Causes
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. There are four
major types of glaucoma:




Open-angle (chronic) glaucoma
Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma
The front part of the eye is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid is always
being made in the back of the eye. It leaves the eye through channels in the front of the eye in
an area called the anterior chamber angle, or simply the angle.
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Anything that slows or blocks the flow of this fluid out of the eye will cause pressure to build up
in the eye. This pressure is called intraocular pressure (IOP). In most cases of glaucoma, this
pressure is high and causes damage to the major nerve in the eye, called the optic nerve.
Open-angle (chronic) glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma.

The cause is unknown. An increase in eye pressure occurs slowly over time. The
pressure pushes on the optic nerve and the retina at the back of the eye.

Open-angle glaucoma tends to run in families. Your risk is higher if you have a parent or
grandparent with open-angle glaucoma. People of African descent are at particularly
high risk for this disease.
Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma occurs when the exit of the aqueous humor fluid is suddenly
blocked. This causes a quick, severe, and painful rise in the pressure within the eye (intraocular
pressure).

Angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency. This is very different from open-angle
glaucoma, which painlessly and slowly damages vision.

If you have had acute glaucoma in one eye, you are at risk for an attack in the second
eye, and your doctor is likely to recommend preventive treatment.

Dilating eye drops and certain medications may trigger an acute glaucoma attack.
Congenital glaucoma often runs in families (is hereditary).


It is present at birth
It results from the abnormal development of the fluid outflow channels in the eye
Secondary glaucoma is caused by:



Drugs such as corticosteroids
Eye diseases such as uveitis
Systemic diseases
Tests & diagnosis
An eye exam may be used to diagnose glaucoma. The doctor will need to examine the inside of
the eye by looking through the pupil, often while the pupil is dilated. The doctor will usually
perform a complete eye exam.
Checking the intraocular pressure alone (tonometry) is not enough to diagnose glaucoma
because eye pressure changes. Pressure in the eye is normal in about 25% of people with
glaucoma. This is called normal-tension glaucoma. There are other problems that cause optic
nerve damage.
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Tests to diagnose glaucoma include:
 Gonioscopy (use of a special lens to see the outflow channels of the angle)
 Tonometry test to measure eye pressure
 Optic nerve imaging (photographs of the inside of the eye)
 Pupillary reflex response
 Retinal examination
 Slit lamp examination
 Visual acuity
 Visual field measurement
Prevention

There is no way to prevent open-angle glaucoma, but you can prevent vision loss from
the condition. Early diagnosis and careful management are the keys to preventing vision
loss.

Most people with open-angle glaucoma have no symptoms. Everyone over age 40
should have an eye examination at least once every 5 years, and more often if in a highrisk group. Those in high-risk groups include people with a family history of open-angle
glaucoma and people of African heritage.

People at high risk for acute glaucoma may opt to undergo iridotomy before having an
attack. Patients who have had an acute episode in the past may have the procedure to
prevent a recurrence.
Workplace Eye Safety is as Simple as 1 – 2 – 3
Awareness, compliance and the right safety products can work together to prevent on-the-job
eye injury. Each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers suffer a job-related eye injury requiring medical
treatment, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In
addition, roughly one third of these injuries require treatment in hospital emergency rooms, with
100 injuries resulting in one or more days of lost work.
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Whether you consider the number of injuries per day, the associated healthcare costs or the
hours of lost productivity, the numbers associated with job-related eye injuries can be
overwhelming. But what’s even more revealing, according to Prevent Blindness America, the
nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization, as many as 90 percent of these
injuries — 1,800 per day — could have been prevented had the workers been wearing the
proper eye protection.
It is every employer’s responsibility to assess eye safety hazards in the workplace and take
measures to ensure employee safety through compliance with government regulations for
eyewear and emergency eyewash stations in the event that an accident does occur. This
means companies themselves are responsible for understanding the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations
and recommendations, and for ensuring that managers and employees have the know-how and
resources to act in accordance with industry safety standards.
Safety managers must understand the unique safety requirements for their workplace
environment — whether it’s chemical, dust, UV radiation or other hazards. Once any hazards
are identified, it is critical to determine which products best suit the needs of employees who
work in this environment each day. This includes providing protective eyewear to ensure the
highest level of protection against injury, and installing emergency eyewash stations in the event
that an accident occurs.
Preventing eye injuries can help workers avoid vision damage or loss, and it can help
companies avoid productivity losses as well as legal and financial hardship. Given the
enormous upside potential of prevention, here’s something else to consider: approximately 50
percent of employers do not comply with OSHA requirements.
The Story Behind the Numbers
Non-compliance with protective eyewear and emergency eyewash safety standards is a serious
issue in today’s workplace, resulting in worker injury and hours of lost productivity. In fact,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, eye injuries lead to 37,000 missed days of
work and more than $300 million per year in related costs. Adding legal fees, judgments and
the cost of training replacement workers brings that number to more than $900 million.
Companies must take responsibility to learn the requirements, install the proper equipment and
train facility managers and employees adequately. Taking the proper steps to ensure
compliance before an accident happens is the first step in protecting employees’ eye health.
Choosing the Right Eye Protection for the Job
It is critical that companies establish effective safety policies based upon regulatory
requirements and the specific eye protection needs of the workplace environment. First, a plant
supervisor or safety specialist should conduct an analysis and hazard assessment of the work
areas, job applications, access routes and the equipment itself. There should also be an
examination of any past eye accident/injury reports. Vision testing should also be a part of a
company’s safety program, as uncorrected vision is a contributing factor to injuries.
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The eye protection chosen for specific work environments depends upon the nature and degree
of the potential hazard, the circumstances of exposure and other personal and workplace
factors. The ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard contains a selection chart to help companies choose
recommended eye and face protection for particular job applications. This eye and face
protection is generally of three different types: safety eyewear, goggles or face-shields. Safety
spectacles are the most common form of protection. Safety eyewear is designed with side
protection and can resist an impact up to 150 feet per second. Second, there are goggles, which
form a protective seal around both eyes. There are two basic types of goggles; impact and
chemical. Chemical goggles have hooded or indirect ventilation paths protecting the worker
from chemical splashes. Impact goggles have direct ventilation holes and protect against direct
impact or large particles. In addition, there are face shields which are used in welding, grinding
or sanding applications. However, face shields are considered secondary protection and must
be worn in conjunction with protective eyewear or goggles.
Impact and splash protection, as mentioned above, are probably the first kind of hazards that
come to mind when evaluating safety eyewear, but they are not the only consideration.
Protection from types of invisible radiation should also be considered. Where workers are
exposed to harmful glare, ultraviolet or infrared radiation, tinted lenses or special filters are
essential for protection. Tinted lenses also enhance visual perception by counteracting light
distortion and preventing eye fatigue.
Once the types of eyewear and lens tint have been selected, there are still a few additional
factors to consider. The eyewear chosen must meet the ANSI Z87 standard in the United States
or the CSA Z94.3 standard in Canada. It should provide the appropriate amount of coverage
and should fit each individual worker properly and comfortably. By selecting adjustable eyewear,
employers can ensure greater on-the-job comfort for workers who are more likely to keep
comfortable eyewear on longer. Similarly, it’s also important for protective eyewear to provide
some level of style to increase worker acceptance.
Be Prepared with Emergency Eyewash Stations
When an accident does occur, the difference between a very serious injury and one that can be
mitigated often comes down to a matter of seconds. Lack of first aid eyewash or emergency
shower facilities ranked fifth on OSHA’s 25 most-cited general industry violations in 2005.
Though reasons for this type of violation may vary, employers’ lack of understanding is often a
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major factor; sometimes it’s simply a case of not knowing that a facility requires emergency
eyewash stations.
As a rule, laboratories or companies must have eyewash stations if work environments require
paint, solvents, battery charging stations, hazardous chemical storage, tool parts washers or
chemical pumping/mixing areas. If employees are using chemical-resistant gloves, cartridge- or
air-supplied respirators, chemical-resistant goggles or flammable storage containers, eyewash
protection is most likely required as well.
Although OSHA sets the overall requirement that employers provide eyewash stations, it refers
to ANSI to guide employers in establishing and maintaining work practices relating to eye
safety. Specifically, ANSI standard Z358.1 requires that eyewash stations:









Be located in areas where caustic or hazardous substances are present
Be placed in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach
Be located on the same level as the hazard
Be free of obstructions that might inhibit immediate access
Be in a visible area identified with a sign
Be positioned with the flushing fluid nozzles no less than 33 inches and no greater than
45 inches from the surface on which the user stands
Flush both eyes simultaneously
Deliver a 15-minute continuous flow of tepid flushing fluid
Have an on-off value, pull strap or door that is capable of activation in one second or
less and activates in one single motion
Eyewash Stations: Know Your Options
Non-compliance not only comes with the risk of injury and lost productivity, but there can also
be direct monetary costs as well. According to OSHA, employers found in violation of a standard
or rule may be assessed a civil penalty ranging from $5,000 to $70,000 for each violation. In
order to meet compliance standards, there are two styles of emergency eyewash stations
available that companies can use — plumbed and portable units — each with different features
and implications for eye health.
Plumbed eyewash systems are permanently connected to a source of tap water. Their greatest
attribute is the ability to deliver plentiful amounts of flushing fluid. Of course, it is better to flush
with tap water than not to flush at all, but medically it is not the optimal solution. Not only does
tap water not match the pH of the eye, but it could also contain contaminants and
microorganisms — both of which could further irritate and injure the eye, and potentially lead to
serious complications such as corneal cell damage. Additionally, untempered tap water may be
too cold or too hot, making it uncomfortable to rinse the eyes continuously for the required 15
minutes. Also, because these stations must be connected to fixed plumbing, they are expensive
to install and impractical to move. They also require weekly flushing maintenance.
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Portable stations can be further classified as tank-style or sealed-fluid cartridge devices.
Portable, tank-style eyewash units contain their own flushing fluid and do not require fixed
plumbing. The solution in the tank-style unit can be either a mixture of water and preservatives,
or water plus a buffered saline to help ensure safe flushing. They must be cleaned and refilled in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; however, this only needs to be done every six
months. Also, because these stations are not connected to fixed plumbing, they can be moved,
easily enabling companies to adapt quickly to changing work environments or locations.
Portable, sealed-fluid cartridge devices represent a major step forward in workplace eye injury
treatment. Sealed cartridges overcome most of the shortcomings of the self-contained portable
systems. Leading units feature factory-sealed cartridges containing a purified, buffered saline
solution that remains free of bacteria or contamination for 24 months. This two-year shelf life is
determined by the date of manufacture, and is more than four times longer than any other
primary, portable eyewash station. The units can only be refilled with a sealed-fluid cartridge,
thus avoiding the contaminants found in tap water.
For specifics on OSHA and ASNI requirements, companies should refer to OSHA Standard
1910.151, titled Medical Services and First Aid, and the ANSI Z358.1 Standard for Emergency
Shower and Emergency Eyewash Equipment.
Make Informed Safety Decisions
For the worker who experiences an eye injury, there is no price on the loss of vision or
associated pain and suffering. Where legal and financial exposure is concerned, litigation,
healthcare and settlement costs can take more than a hefty toll on a company’s wellbeing.
Non-compliance with OSHA regulations for workplace safety is a violation of the law.
Companies must do their research to learn the pros and cons of the types of protective eyewear
products and emergency eyewash stations that are available. It is critical that employers take
the time to assess eye safety hazards in their facilities, determine the necessary protective
equipment, and provide employees with the products and training needed to ensure a safe
workplace.
A safe work environment should be a top priority for all employers. By working with OSHA and
ANSI and by relying on the information, guidelines and resources each agency provides,
employers can be more proactive in ensuring the safety of their workplace and avoiding costly
eye injuries. If in doubt, consulting services are available to companies that wish to conduct a
certified safety audit, and many manufacturers have sales personnel trained to help with an
audit. With all the information, resources and products available, eye safety in the workplace
really can be as easy as 1-2-3.
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Computer and Your Eyes
Looking at a computer screen does not damage your eyes. While complaints of eye fatigue and
discomfort are common among computer users, these symptoms are not caused by the
computer screen itself. Computer screens give off little or no harmful radiation (such as x-rays
or UV rays). All levels of radiation from computer screens are below levels that can cause eye
damage such as cataracts.
Fatigue, dry eyes, bad lighting, or how you sit in front of the computer can cause eyestrain.
Symptoms of eyestrain include sore or irritated eyes and difficulty focusing. You may also have
symptoms of eyestrain if you need glasses or a change in your glasses.
To prevent eye strain by making changes to your computer workspace and by visiting your eye
doctor. The following are suggestions on how to make your workspace more comfortable:
 Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little bit below eye level.

Use a document holder placed next to your computer screen. It should be close enough
so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye
focus.

Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections.
computer screen can also help.

Get a chair you can adjust.

Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
Glare filters over your
Hazardous Products to Children’s Eyes
In 2002 thousands of children 14 and younger suffered serious eye injuries, including blindness
from products. Many of these injuries were caused by toys, common household products and
sports activities. The following are a few categories causing the most injuries in children.
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









Estimated Injuries
8,420
3,853
2,356
2,329
2,197
1,891
1,822
1,760
1,756
1,493
Toys (excluding bicycles and guns)
Pens and Pencils
Baseball and softball
Water and Pool Activities
Adhesives
Guns (air, spring, BB)
General Purpose Household Cleaners
Furniture (sofas, beds, tables)
Basketball
Flatware and table settings
Eye drop Medication
When an eye drop is placed in the eye, some of it exits through the tear drainage system called
the nasolacrimal duct, located at the corner of the eye near the nose. The drug then passes
through the sinuses and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Unpleasant side effects can
occur when the drug reaches other parts of the body, such as the heart, liver or kidneys. Side
effects from some eye medications can include asthma, low blood pressure, high blood
pressure, changes in heart rhythm, depression or nervousness. A simple technique, called
nasolacrimal occlusion, or NLO, can prevent the drug from flowing into the drainage duct. That
keeps more medicine in your eye and makes the drug more effective. Below are the step-bystep instructions on how to apply the NLO technique.
Tip: Keep the eye drop container clean. Avoid touching the dropper against the eye or anything
else. After applying drops, replace the cap right away without wiping or rinsing off dropper.
STEP ONE
STEP TWO
Tilt your head back. Using your middle
Finger, gently press the corner of the
Eye by the side of the nose.
Use your index finger to pull
down the lower lid. Then apply
Then eye drop medication.
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STEP THREE
After applying the eye drop, let go of your
lower lid. Close the eye and keep the
middle finger in place for at least two
minutes. If you’re applying more than one
type of drop, wait at least 15 minutes for the
next application. Use a facial tissue to wipe
away excess drops on eyelids.
Firework Injuries
Fireworks are extremely dangerous. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type.
Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks. Attend only authorized
public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional
displays can be dangerous.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the following fireworks injury statistics:

Fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 9,800 injuries treated in U. S. hospital
emergency rooms in 2007.

An estimated 6,300 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms during the onemonth period (June 22-July22) surrounding the 4th of July.

Eyes were the second most commonly injured part of the body, with an estimated 1,400
fireworks-related eye injuries treated in the same one-month period of 2007.

Firecrackers accounted for 1,300 injuries, sparklers 1,000 and roman candles (800).

Males accounted for 70% of fireworks injuries.
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
Firecrackers caused the greatest number of injuries in children 14 and younger, followed
by sparklers and rockets.

Of the 1,100 estimated sparkler injuries, 200 were to children age 4 and younger.

2,600 of the fireworks injuries were to children under age 15.

Data from the U.S. Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by
fireworks than operators themselves.

Contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies were the most common injuries to eyes.

There were 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2007.
Auto Battery Safety
Purpose
A motor vehicle battery does the following things:



Activates the starter and ignition system so the engine will turn over;
Provides extra power when the charging system (alternator) is not capable of meeting
the needs of the vehicle; and
Controls voltage bursts when the air conditioner or radio are turned on.
Battery Safety Precautions
To prevent an accident that could cause serious eye injuries, you should follow several safety
precautions when jump-starting, inspecting or testing the battery.

Protect your eyes with ANSI Z-87.1 splash-proof safety goggles when working on or
near a battery.
31

Never work on a battery near an open flame such as a match, lighter or cigarette.
Batteries contain hydrogen and oxygen; a spark could ignite them causing the battery to
explode.

Check the battery for damage – cracks corrosive materials and loose wires, once a
month.

Make sure your jumper cables are rust and corrosion-free with no exposed wires.
Cables repaired with electrical tape are unsafe.

Do not drop metallic objects on a battery, as a spark can ignite the gases produced by
the battery.

When jump-starting, inspecting or testing your battery, never lean over the battery-even
if you are wearing safety goggles. The battery could explode and damage your face and
body.

Squeezing the battery casing may cause the sulfuric acid stored inside the battery to
spill through the vents. Use a battery carrier when available and always handle with
extreme care.

Dispose of auto batteries properly. Some service stations and stores where batteries
are sold will dispose of the old batteries for free or for a nominal charge.

Call a professional if you are uncertain or if you cannot remember how to jump-start your
car correctly.
Chemical Burns

Flush the eye for at least 15 minutes. The affected eye should be held open and flushed
with the first available “drinkable” liquid: water, juice or a soft drink.

After flushing the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Do not cover or bandage the eye. The emergency room doctor will have to waste
valuable time removing bandages.

Contact lens wearers should not attempt to remove their lens. Begin flushing the injured
eye, allowing the liquid to dislodge the lens gently.
Cuts and Punctures to the Eye or Eyelid

Cover the eye lightly to protect it from dirt particles and see a doctor right away.

Do not flush the eye with any liquid. Flushing may remove fluids that maintain the eye’s
structure and function.

Do not try to remove an object stuck in the eye. You could cause even worse damage to
the eye.
32
Specks in the Eye

Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the eyelid.

Let your tears wash out the speck or particle. If the speck does not wash out, keep the
eye closed, bandage lightly and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Summary
The best ways to prevent injury to the eye is to always wear the appropriate eye protection.
Surprisingly, the Bureau of Labor reports that approximately three out of every five workers
injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or wearing the wrong
kind of eye protection for the job. To be effective, eyewear must fit properly and be designed to
effectively protect workers while they work. It is estimated that over 90% of eye injuries are
preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear. The Occupational Safety Health
Administration, OSHA, has standards that require employers to provide their workers with the
appropriate eye protection.
In addition to the proper safety eyewear, early detection and treatment of eye conditions and
diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life. According to the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, AAO, children with a family history of childhood vision
problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5.
Although most young adults have healthy vision, if eye problems such as visual changes, pain,
flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing, and excessive dryness occur, they should see
an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two to four
years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years.
Ultimately, the key to preventing eye injuries is to take a more proactive approach to sustaining
healthy vision.
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