A workplace is a common area for people to get eye injuries or emergencies. Around 2,000 workers in the United States get eye injuries daily. Raising workplace eye safety awareness during Eye Safety Month is crucial. The knowledge can help most people be keen to protect their eyes and learn what to do if facing an eye emergency. Read on to learn more.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are common workplace eye injuries. They occur when chemicals get into the eyes. Substances like solvents, bases, and acids can harm your eyes when they get in contact with them. You may experience vision problems, pain, swelling, and redness. The severity of a chemical burn varies. It can be minor or severe, depending on the type of solution and its severity. It can damage your cornea and conjunctiva. 

Employees must have proper training on handling and storing chemicals in the workplace. They must also wear protective equipment such as face shields, goggles, and safety glasses while working. In case of an accident, it is also vital to have flushing solutions or eyewash stations at work.

Know what to do if you get a chemical burn. Immediately use an eye-flushing solution or plenty of water to flush your eye with water. Do so for about 20 minutes. Try neutralizing the chemical and avoid rubbing the affected eye. Seek immediate medical care to prevent severe complications like vision loss, scarring, or infection.

Penetrating Injuries

A penetrating injury is a common eye emergency people get in the workplace. It often results from tools, splinters, debris, and sharp objects encountering your eye. 

Workers must protect their eyes while in their work environment. They must be aware of their environment. Employers must do safety inspections regularly and train their workers on the potential hazards of doing their job.

In case you get an eye injury, it is vital to seek immediate medical care. Doing so will help minimize your chances of developing long-term problems with your vision.

Blunt Trauma

Objects can strike your face or eye in the workplace. As a result, you can get a blunt trauma injury, resulting in broken bones, cuts, or bruises around your eye. It can also lead to conditions like the development of a cataract or a retinal detachment.

Preventing blunt trauma in the workplace is possible. You can do so by wearing the appropriate eye protection, like a face shield or safety glasses. It is vital to follow the procedures and practices required in your place of work.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

You can get this type of eye injury in the workplace, especially if you are in the construction, agriculture, or manufacturing industry. It often results from small particles, dust, or debris flying into your eye.

The common symptoms include eye redness and pain. A brief loss of vision is another possibility. Prevent getting a foreign object in your eye while at work by wearing the ideal eye protection like goggles or safety glasses when in high-risk environments.

Radiation Burns

High-energy radiation from sources like welding equipment can cause radiation burns to your eyes. You may experience an itching or burning sensation, redness, and pain. You may also experience blurred vision or swelling.

Wearing the appropriate eyewear at work when dealing with sources of high-energy radiation is vital. Wear face shields or protective goggles. It is also crucial for employees to have the appropriate training on how to use protective eyewear and why shielding their eyes matters.

Prescription eye drops, topical ointments, or pain medication can help treat radiation burns. But if the case is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the damage to your eyes. 

For more about eye injuries, visit Today’s Vision Bulverde in San Antonio, Texas. Call (210) 307-4749 to book an appointment today.