How To Prevent & Treat Workplace Eye Injuries

Baptist Eye Surgeons • March 5, 2018
A man in a military uniform is working on a machine

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month and, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room each year due to a workplace eye injury. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation. Welders, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters are at the highest risk for workplace eye injuries.

Eye injuries range from scratches to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss, and blindness. Common causes of workplace eye injuries include:

 

 

  • Flying or falling objects
  • Chemicals
  • Tools
  • Intense light or heat, such as from welding or radiation
  • Grinding dust
  • Bits of wire, metal, or glass

As Ben Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that certainly applies when it comes to protecting your eyes. Thousands of people are blinded each year by workplace eye injuries that could have been prevented with proper protective eyewear. If you work in—or even pass through—areas that may pose eye hazards you should wear protective eyewear.

Which type of safety eye protection you need depends on the hazards in your workplace and should be compliant with OSHA regulations for eye and face protection. OSHA also provides information about the types of filter lenses required for specific welding and cutting activities .

If you are working in an area that has flying objects, particles, or dust you must at least wear safety glasses with side shields. If you work with chemicals, you should wear goggles. If you are working near hazardous radiation from lasers or fiber optics you must use special-purpose goggles, safety glasses, face shields, or helmets designed specifically for those tasks. Double check that your eye safety gear is OSHA-compliant and has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to meet eye protection standards.

If an eye injury does occur while you’re on the job, see an ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room, even if you don’t think the injury is serious. Postponing medical attention could result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

And in the event of any eye injury—at work or at home—here are some steps to follow until you can see your ophthalmologist.

  • If your eye is cut or punctured:
    • DO NOT: Remove any object that may be stuck in eye, rub your eye, rinse with water, or apply pressure to eye. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs as they may increase bleeding.
    • DO: Gently place a temporary shield over the eye. You can fashion a makeshift eye patch by taping the bottom of a paper cup to the area around your eye until you get medical attention.  
  • If you get chemicals in your eye:
    • DO: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of clean water and seek medical treatment immediately.  
  • If you receive a blow to the eye:
    • DO NOT apply any pressure.
    • DO gently apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. If a black eye , pain or visual disturbance occurs even after a light blow, immediately contact an ophthalmologist to rule out or prevent the progression of a significant eye injury.  
  • If you get sand or small particles in the eye:
    • DO NOT rub the eye or try to remove the debris with your fingers.
    • DO flush the eye out with plenty of water. If the debris doesn’t come out, lightly bandage the eye and seek medical attention.

If you do have an eye injury, do not hesitate to contact our office and request an emergency appointment. It’s important that you are seen as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage or vision loss.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons , we treat a wide range of eye injuries and are one of the most trusted eye specialists in Tennessee. Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to preserving or restoring the gift of sight. Our commitment to excellence spans the range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To request an appointment or get directions to our Knoxville and Morristown locations, visit our website . Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information, or visit us online to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...
How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

April 12, 2026
Your diet influences more than just general wellness; it also helps protect your eyesight. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we take a forward-looking approach to eye...