Whether you work in an industrial setting, take care of the garden, or handle home improvements, wearing safety glasses is the only way to avoid serious eye injury, according to the B.C. Association of Optometrists.

B.C. workers are required by law to wear safety eyeglasses when handling materials likely to injure the eyes.  Through the B.C. Association of Optometrists Occupational Vision Plan, optometrists across the province provide expert eye care and leading prescription safety eyewear to B.C. workplaces.  While there’s no law for in-home use, B.C. optometrists recommend people pay the same attention to eye safety in the home.

“It’s surprising how many people end up with debris in their eyes,” says Dr. Don Vinge, a B.C. optometrist who works with patients involved in heavy industry and sees his fair share of accidents in the home as well. “Debris can scratch or tear the cornea, causing scarring and permanently affecting a person’s vision.  Using safety eye wear can make all the difference.”

Protective eyewear is essential for preventing serious eye injuries for workers and home handy people alike. Safety glasses should cover the front of the eyes, as well as the sides and top, so small airborne particles can’t get in. Safety glasses are appropriate for any situation where flying matter can enter the eyes.

While most Canadians rank vision as their most important sense, accidents can happen.  Dr. Vinge advises industrial workers and people working in the garden or on home building projects to be vigilant.  “Why take risks when it comes to your sight? Whether you’re working with hazardous materials or operating a weed whacker, wear safety glasses or goggles and protect your most important asset – your vision. It’s that simple.”

Safety glasses differ from regular eye wear in that the lenses are made from polycarbonate and must adhere to Canadian Standards Association, American National Standards Institute and WorkSafe BC requirements.

Safety frames are sturdier than standard eye glasses and the lenses have to pass a “drop ball” test, a test that involves dropping a hard ball on to the lens from a height. If the lens cracks or shatters, the lens fails to make the grade.

The B.C. Association of Optometrists represents 436 optometrists working in more than 100 communities throughout the province. The association strives to maintain the highest standards of professional skill and knowledge among optometrists, is dedicated to promoting eye health awareness among the public and is a vigilant voice on issues affecting the eye care and general health of British Columbians.  The Occupational Vision Plan is an employee eye safety program operated by the B.C. Association of Optometrists.

For more information on eye health, or to locate an optometrist near you, visit www.whatcouldbemoreimportant.com or check out www.ovp.bc.ca

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For more information, contact: Sarah Burgess, media relations, 604.623.3007

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