Elisabeth S. Swan, O.D.

Your chances of having an occupation-related eye injury can be greatly reduced with the right eye protection. Those who work around chemicals, flying particles (even dust) or splashing liquids are probably already aware of the dangers. Hazards such as fumes, lighting, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens can be found in certain other work environments.

Your employer should be providing appropriate eye protection. If not, ask about it. If you are self-employed, conduct an eye hazard assessment of your workplace. We carry several several lines of safety eyewear which meet federal ANSI standards for safety including Wiley X Eyewear, which is the manufacturer of all US Military eyewear. Wiley X has fashionable styles for motorcyclists, bicyclists, target shooters, and outdoor adventurists.

We are here to offer advice and suggestions to you and your employer, and are a phone call or e-mail away.

In the rush to prepare for the upcoming school year – buying school supplies, new clothes and shoes for growing feet – parents often overlook one critical piece of back-to-school preparations.

You guessed it – eye health and safety.

If you’re shopping for sports equipment, be sure to ask about recommended eye protection for the sport. Purchasing protection and using it routinely is much less expensive and far safer than treating an eye injury later.

Also, did you know that amblyopia is the most common cause of vision problems in children? It most often results from the misalignment of a child’s eyes causing them to cross or turn out. Sometimes one eye focuses better than the other causing the brain to favor it. This gives rise to the term lazy eye.

Because amblyopia causes reduced vision, it is important to identify it before your child heads through the schoolhouse doors. If undetected, it can be misinterpreted as a learning or behavioral disorder.

Early treatment greatly increases the chances of reversing such vision loss. Untreated or treated too late, the affected eye may never develop good vision, a condition considered “functional blindness.”

A comprehensive vision screening is required to detect amblyopia and other vision issues that otherwise may cause your child to struggle academically. Make an annual eye exam part of your overall preparation for the upcoming school year.

Spring is here and along with it plenty of garden activity. Did you know that garden-related accidents account for over one-fifth of all penetrating eye injuries?

We think of gardens as places of peace and beauty. But take a moment to think about the activities we perform to keep them that way. First, there are the power lawn mowers. Small stones and sticks can be picked up by the blades and thrown at high speed causing a devastating eye injury.

Lawn trimmers have a nylon cord which revolves at high speed and can send small pieces of nylon, bits of dirt and other hard debris flying, potentially causing lacerations or infections. Some can be severe enough to cause blindness.

Applying grass seed, weed killers, fertilizers, and other powders on a windy day can cause burns and irritation to the eyes when these products become airborne. And if you work around bushes and plants, your face is likely to brush against branches and vegetation that can scratch the eye.

We don’t want to discourage you from the pleasure of tending your garden. But we encourage you to make a habit of wearing safety goggles when you do, especially for these risky activities.

Here are a few guidelines for keeping your eyes safe while working in the garden:

1. Wear dark grey sunglasses to cut out cataract-causing radiation
2. Wear protective safety goggles made of polycarbonate, available at hardware stores
3. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to reduce ultraviolet radiation
4. Don’t depend on ordinary glasses for full safety protection

Keep your eyes safe so you can use them to admire your beautiful garden.

According to eyewear forecasters, the final word in fashion this year is glamour.

You can expect to see glitzy shapes such as angular and oversized frames with sassy decorations. Cutout shapes, jewels, and even lace will make an appearance. You’ll be able to choose a lens color that matches a frame or go for mirrored or tinted treatments.

Influences from the natural world include the look of bamboo, wood, horn and even leather.

And don’t forget that wearing your sunglasses whenever you go outdoors is always in fashion!

Come by and see the new fashions in eyewear at Family Vision Clinic. Mention you saw this article and receive 30% off your next purchase!

Serious paintball players understand the need for protective eyewear when they play and compete professionally but the typical recreational player is blind to the dangers.

A recent study of paintball-related injuries revealed that 81% of patients injured while playing required surgery. Of those, 22% had an eye removed as a result of paintball injury. In some cases where eyes were saved, patients had permanent vision loss.

Paintball injuries are completely preventable if you use appropriate protective eyewear. Check manufacturers’ recommendations or ask us for guidance.

Workers in the United States are required by federal law to wear safety glasses in certain workplace environments and for certain on-the-job activities.  Learn the differences between safety glasses and everyday (or dress) eyewear so you can make sure your eyes are adequately protected.
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