There is no doubt that our eyesight is incredibly important. When it comes to proper eye safety glasses, there may be several factors why people don’t wear them. It could be that the safety glasses are low quality, which can cause fogging and headaches. They might also be the incorrect size or uncomfortable.
Eye injuries can vary in severity, but can often lead to loss in wages, permanent damage, and, in some cases, result in blindness. This is why protecting your eyes is key to keeping your eyesight safe.
Here are a few tips to consider:
Make eye health a priority
When was the last time you had an eye exam? It is easy to put things on the backburner, but just as our physical health is important, so is our eye health. Eating a well balanced diet, full of fruits and vegetables is a good place to start! Consider adding more fish to your meals as well, as it is also known to help with maintaining eye health.
If you notice changes in your eyesight, be sure to consult an optometrist as soon as possible. Whether it be blurry vison, headaches, or noticing a difference in your prescription eye/safety glasses, seeking professional help is your best line of defense.
Wear proper eye protection
While it may be winter here in Alberta, that doesn’t mean the sun and its UVA and UVB rays disappear. No matter the season, protect your eyes with sunglasses that block out these rays to help maintain your eyesight.
When working at home, whether inside or out, you should always wear proper protection for your eyes. Harmful debris, or unknown objects can come seemingly out of nowhere, and you don’t want your eyes to suffer the consequences. Ensure your eyewear is appropriate for the job, and that they fit well. While it can seem like another tedious step along the way, we promise your eyes will thank you!
When it comes to job sites, all protective eyewear in Canada must have the CSA mark on it to show that it meets Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements. As outlined by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, “CSA-certified eye and face protectors must meet the criteria for impact resistance as outlined in the standard. Only devices made of approved materials are permitted.” Also, “the manufacturer or supplier certification mark must be present on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets.” Therefore, ensuring you have the proper protection is key to employees as well as employers.
Give your eyes a rest
Now more than ever, we spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. From our tablets to our desktop computers, it seems like a lit object is always in front of us! Do your eyes a favour and take a break.
Have you heard of the 20-20-20 rule? If not, you have now. The 20-20-20 rule is: every twenty minutes, look approximately twenty feet away for twenty seconds. Take breaks throughout the day to not only stretch your legs, but to give your eyes a break as well. Try to turn off all devices about an hour or two before bed, and allow your mind and body to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
In most cases, injury can be avoided when proper protective gear is worn.
Our eyes work hard for us each day, so be sure to show them the care they deserve! We only get two, so make sure you do all that you can to keep them in tip top shape.