The image of office space is what we often associate with corporate America. However, our country is full of people working in laboratories and blue-collar settings like warehouses and factories. One of the major factors that these workers need to be aware of is safety, particularly eye safety. Environments that require physical protection carry a high risk of damaging your eyes, whether by debris, chemical exposure, or simple accidents. For this reason, the importance of safety glasses can’t be overstated!
At Paragon Eye Associates, we prioritize the safety of your eyes. With March being Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we want to remind you to wear your eye protection if you’re working in a potentially dangerous environment. To drive the point home, here are four reasons why wearing safety glasses is important in the workplace. To learn more and schedule an eye exam, contact our team in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.
1. Safety Glasses Protect Against Debris
We’ve mentioned it already, but a simple pair of safety glasses can work wonders for those in welding, construction, maintenance, or mining. While large chunks of rock and metal pose a danger, the smaller particles of dust, dirt, and pollen can be just as damaging. Safety glasses are an easy method of protecting your eyes not only from the debris you can see but also from the debris you can’t.
2. Safety Glasses Protect Against Pesticides Too
Like individual dust and pollen particles, chemicals and pesticides can’t be seen by the naked eye. However, these substances can be just as, if not more, dangerous. Frequent exposure to airborne chemicals can lead to eye inflammation and seriously impact your vision. Glasses, and especially goggles, can minimize your exposure and prevent adverse symptoms.
3. They’re Effective Against Bright, Unsafe Lights
Safety glasses are carefully manufactured and tested to protect against specific lights. Those that provide UV protection are stamped with the letter “U” and a number indicating the ultraviolet light scale rating. For visible light protection, look for an “L” and a number. Glasses that offer infrared protection are stamped with an “R,” and those that are stamped with a “W” offer protection for welders.
4. Safety Glasses Are Now Fashionable
Old-school safety glasses are bulky and uncomfortable – suffice it to say, you won’t be winning any fashion awards if you wear them outside the workplace! However, many companies have recently begun offering more style options and even creating custom frames with company logos. While you may not be tempted to wear safety glasses outside business hours, having a stylish pair of glasses on your face can make you look better and feel more comfortable.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Want to learn more about safety glasses? How about an exam and prescription? Whether you need information or an eyecare exam, we can help. At Paragon Eye Associates, we’re staffed by experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists who can give your eyes the care they deserve.
Schedule your evaluation by filling out the form below. You can also contact us over the phone by dialing (817) 277-6433 for our Arlington office or (817) 477-0223 for our Mansfield office.
