Q & A on Safety Glasses and
Eye Safety

Questions were answered by Burt Dubow, OD and Charles Slonim, MD

Q: What's the difference between regular prescription lenses and frames and those that are "safety" rated? — P.C., Louisiana

A: In the United States, we have a government agency called OSHA that makes and enforces workplace safety rules and regulations. OSHA requires safety glasses in environments where eyes are at risk.

Safety glasses consist of a safety frame and safety lenses. A safety frame is sturdier than most "dress frames" and not easily bent or broken. Some have side shields, and some don't, depending on your specific job.

Safety lenses are usually polycarbonate, which is basically jet windshield plastic that is very unlikely to break, even when shot with a bullet!

Although OSHA regulations can seem like a real pain, they are really helpful in decreasing workplace eye injuries. In fact, those who do a lot of shop work at home should also consider wearing safety eyewear. After all, you only have two eyes! — Dr. Dubow

[Read more about eye safety and safety glasses.]

Q: As a demolition specialist, I often get small particles of sheetrock, plaster, wood, insulation, paint chips, cement or who knows what else in my eyes. Are any of these particularly damaging? Avoiding the problem by wearing safety glasses or goggles is not always practical due to fogging. Sometimes my eyes feel irritated when I get home. What should I do to treat my eyes? — I.H., Connecticut

A: First of all, as impractical as they are, you should try to wear some sort of safety glasses at all times. Would you rather deal with dirty glasses or an eye injury that could possibly cause a loss of vision or even blindness?

Second, some of the materials you are exposed to can be very harsh and irritating on your eyes, causing you a lot of discomfort and maybe worse. It would be best if you could rinse your eyes out with saline when they get full of debris. Saline is a solution that approximates your tears — it's used by contact lens wearers and readily available at any pharmacy.

To rinse, simply pull down your lower lids and fill the little pockets you create at the bottom with saline, blinking it out full. You can do this multiple times a day if possible, with no harm to your eyes.

Last, I don't recommend using decongestant drops such as Visine. They can be harmful if used incorrectly, and can even be addictive. — Dr. Dubow

Q: I am a professional glassblower. We work at temperatures of up to 1,200°C. What protective glasses should I be wearing? — D.K., Scotland

A: I would recommend glasses with polycarbonate lenses to protect your eyes from debris and UV light. Contrary to the urban myth I have heard, high heat will not melt your eyeballs! If your eyes are dry, use a non-preserved lubricating eyedrop for relief. I personally truly appreciate hand-blown glass — thanks for your artistry! — Dr. Dubow

Please note: If you have an urgent question regarding your eye health, please call your eye care practitioner immediately! This page is designed to provide general information about vision, vision care and vision correction. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you suspect that you have a vision problem or a condition that requires attention, consult with an eye care professional for advice on the treatment of your own specific condition and for your own particular needs. For more information, read our Terms of Use.

[Page updated April 2007]