In today’s fast-paced world, don’t overlook your well-being and safety at work – and play. An estimated 90% of recorded eye injuries are preventable by wearing the right protective eyewear.
Protective eyewear means not just any eyewear; but the correct eyewear for your face shape and your job.
With an estimated three-quarters of flying objects causing harm smaller than a pinhead, the wrong type of eyewear can be as hazardous to workers as not wearing any protective eyewear at all.
Understanding the Risks: Why Proper Eyewear Matters
Eye injuries can have devastating consequences. The delicate nature of the eye means even minor incidents can lead to permanent damage or vision loss. Eye injuries people experience at work can be anything from mild discomfort to severe trauma.
In workplaces where airborne particles or hazardous substances are present, the risk of eye injury is ever-present. Shockingly, nearly three out of every five workers injured in such environments are typically not wearing any eye protection at the time of the accident. Approximately 40% of workers who suffer eye injuries but do wear eyewear do not have adequate protection.
Choosing the Right Eyewear: Key Considerations
The correct protective eyewear is more than just picking any pair of safety glasses. Here are some crucial factors to consider:
Lens Markings: Understanding the markings on lenses is essential for ensuring they are suitable for the task at hand.
Lens Colour/Type: The colour and type of lens should be chosen based on the specific application and work environment.
Proper Fit: Ill-fitting eyewear may not provide adequate protection and can increase the risk of injury.
Introducing Cutting-Edge Eye Protection Solutions
At Black Gates Optometrists, we prioritise your eye safety with our range of premium protective eyewear. As independent optometrists we have access to a wide range of frame/lens manufacturers and materials allowing for the best spectacles to meet your individual needs and working environment. Our selection includes top ranges from Bolle Safety, PSG Eyewear and Hoya.
We also partner with some local businesses and have supplier agreements with several companies who provide safety equipment for their employees. Check with your employer to see if you are covered.
We look forward to providing you with fashionable and functional prescription certified safety frames fitted for you.
Ensuring Your Safety, Every Step of the Way
Protecting your eyes at work – and at play – is so important. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing you with the best eye protection tailored to your needs.
Our optometrists offer emergency examinations. They explain here how serious this situation can be:
“Many businesses and individuals prefer to come to us to remove “foreign bodies” as we call them. This generally involves digging a bit of rusty metal out of the tissue at the front of the eye. Ferrous (Iron containing) foreign bodies rust because your eyes are nearly as salty as seawater. This rust is cytotoxic, killing the surface of the eye, triggering an inflammatory response which causes pain, redness and light sensitivity. If the foreign bodies are not removed promptly, they scar and if this scar is in front of your pupil it could permanently affect your vision. We can carefully get these out and prescribe the right medicine for a speedy recovery.
There is an additional danger that some very high velocity foreign bodies (from grinding, hammering, chiselling etc.) go right through into the eye. This is a very serious injury that is an emergency. The trouble is that is feels like a normal bit of metal. Seeing us may save your sight. In this unfortunate situation it is an emergency!”
Is it time to come and see us?
Our team of optometrists is here to help keep you safer at work and play. Book an appointment with us today and we’ll see you in person soon.
