Hundreds of workers sustain eye injuries while on the job, with falling or flying objects accounting for a large percentage of them. Contact with chemicals also causes many eye injuries. It is unfortunate since most eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection. 

Studies suggest that most injuries occur while the worker is not wearing safety glasses. Many workers fail to wear eye protection for various reasons. Find out how safety eyewear can prevent eyestrain and improve your vision.

Why People Don’t Use Safety Eyewear

Eye injuries occur when workers fail to use safety eyewear as recommended. Some say the safety glasses cause eyestrain and pain, usually accompanied by headaches. The eyewear can also lead to eye fatigue as the eye muscles are overused. 

Eyestrain and fatigue can lead to blurry vision, dry eyes, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to light. It can also cause sore eyes and headaches. 

Safety Eyewear to Prevent Eye Problems 

Wearing appropriate safety eyewear can help prevent strain and improve your vision. 

• Prevent eye injuries. Safety eyewear can protect the eyes from flying objects, chemicals, and other hazards. They can prevent serious eye injuries. 
   

• Protect against dust and fumes. Dust, smoke, fumes, fine particles, and other hazards can affect vision and cause eyestrain. Eye protection can keep the eyes safe. 
   

• Help you see better. Safety glasses help you see better when working on near tasks. If you wear corrective lenses, you can get prescription safety eyewear. 
   

• Reducing excessive glare. Eyewear can reduce glare in the workplace, preventing eyestrain and vision problems. 
   

• Prevent photophobia. Eyeglasses with tinted lenses can help reduce photophobia or light sensitivity that causes eyestrain. 

There are various types of safety eyewear for different situations. Your work environment, or the type of work you do, will determine the best glasses for you. 

Why Safety Eyewear Causes Discomfort

If you experience discomfort from wearing safety eyewear, it could be due to the poor quality of the glasses. Eyestrain may not cause permanent eye damage but can affect productivity. In extreme cases, it can lead to impaired vision. Reasons for eye fatigue include:

• Wearing the wrong eyewear for the job

• Wearing poor-fitting safety glasses

• Scratched lenses

• Using the wrong lens tint or color

• Lenses with low optical clarity

• Inappropriate use of safety glasses

• Inadequate care of the safety glasses

• Using eyewear in poor condition

Choosing the Right Safety Eyewear

The eyewear you use will determine the level of safety and comfort. One type of eyeglasses may not be ideal for every individual and situation. General-purpose protective eyeglasses may only be adequate in some situations. 

You may need to change the lenses in your safety eyewear to suit your situation. You can invest in convertible eyewear or several pairs for different situations. If you use eyewear daily, invest in high-quality glasses.  

Protecting Your Vision

Eye fatigue and strain can affect your vision. Poorly-fitted eyeglasses, excessive glare, and poor lens condition can lead to symptoms such as neck and back pain. Changing your posture to prevent eye fatigue worsens the symptoms. 

An eye doctor can recommend the best eyewear to eliminate vision problems. Eye protection equipment is essential in many workplaces. 

For more on how safety eyewear can prevent eyestrain and improve your vision, visit Vision Quest Optical at our Bay City or Midland, Michigan office. Call (989) 778-1414 or (989) 835-2020 to schedule an appointment today.