All About Protective Eyewear: Why It's Important, and Who Should Use It

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends keeping protective eyewear at home because most eye injuries are preventable. Wearing safety lenses can protect your eyes from flying debris while trimming the lawn, working with hazardous chemicals, or playing games like baseball. 

It’s essential to note that regular eyeglasses don’t provide sufficient protection, as they can shatter and cause additional eye damage.  

At Refined Focus Eye Care in The Heights and Montrose sections of Houston, Texas, we help you protect your eyes no matter what you’re doing. If you need emergency eye care during regular business hours, contact Dr. Bimal Patel. He keeps space open daily for emergencies. 

Why eye protection matters 

Unfortunately, eye injuries are common, and most people don’t think about eye safety until it’s too late. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately 2,000 U.S. workers experience on-the-job eye injuries requiring medical treatment each year. Yet, eye doctors report that wearing protective eyewear can prevent or reduce 90% of these injuries.

At home, common eye injuries often stem from yard work, cooking, or home repairs, as people tend to let their guard down. 

What qualifies as protective eyewear 

Not all eyewear is created equal. Depending on what you’re doing, you may want safety glasses with shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses, goggles that seal your face to protect against chemical splashes, or face shields for added coverage. 

For the highest level of safety, look for protective eyewear labeled ANSI Z87.1 or ASTM F803. These designations indicate that the eyewear meets rigorous safety standards. 

Who should wear protective eyewear? 

You might be surprised by who should take extra precautions. Here are some common groups of people and activities that benefit from wearing eye protection. 

Workers in high-risk occupations

Construction, manufacturing, plumbing, welding, and any other work that involves chemical exposure or flying particles. 

DIY enthusiasts and home gardeners 

If you’re trimming hedges, using power tools, or handling chemicals, you’re at risk, and wearing safety goggles is a smart play. 

Athletes 

Children, especially those who play sports such as basketball, baseball, or hockey, benefit greatly from sports goggles. There are nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries a year resulting in ER visits in the US. 

Healthcare and lab professionals 

Anyone working in a medical or lab environment faces exposure to infectious fluids and sharp instruments. Eye protection reduces the chance of accidents or infections.

Outdoor workers 

UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. Individuals who spend extended periods outside should wear UV-blocking sunglasses or safety glasses with UV protection. 

Protective habits save your vision 

Eye injuries can lead to permanent damage. They’re also one of the most preventable injuries. Whether you’re on a job site, mowing the lawn, or working in a lab, wearing protective eyewear is a simple and smart step toward protecting your eyesight. 

If you need help finding the right eye protection for your lifestyle, contact Refined Focus Eye Care in the Heights and Montrose sections of Houston, Texas. You can schedule your appointment online.