Eye Safety

Eye safety is more than simply wearing safety glasses in situations which expose one to fast moving objects close to the eye. The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) has developed national standards, which are internationally accepted. This includes the durability of a frame and lenses to protect the eyes from an impact injury and from ultraviolet (UV) light.

What can cause an eye injury?

An eye injury can be caused by exposure to any foreign substance, chemical and/or radiation. This could be as simply as scratching your eye with your make-up brush to not having your glasses on for your squash match. Keep in mind that many eye injuries could be prevented by simply wearing safety eyewear.

What should I do if I get something into my eye?

First try to blink the object out. If the object remains in the eye, try flushing it out with clean water or commercially prepared saline solution. If this does not remove the object, or irritation continues, please contact our office or proceed to the closest Emergency Room (ER). If a solution or chemical is splashed into the eye, immediately flush it out with clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes, bring the container (i.e., list of ingredients) with you and call our office or proceed directly to St. Mary's Hospital (if this occurs locally or to any ER). Just because the substance does not sting, does not necessarily mean that it cannot damage the eye. If you are ever unsure of what to do, please seek immediate professional assistance.