Risking something as precious as your eyesight is one you should never do, no matter what is at stake. Thousands of eye injuries occur at the workplace on a daily basis. Many of these preventable injuries occur due to inadequate protective gear or improper use of protective eyewear. For a lifetime of good vision, it’s critical to wear the proper safety eyewear when necessary—no questions asked.
Specific jobs or task-related situations may call for different types of protective eyewear, especially within the medical field. Selecting the right kind of PPE will provide a healthcare worker with a distinct decrease in hazard exposure. In these professions, the present threat of airborne particles or fluids is very common. If you need to add safety glasses to your PPE collection, we’ve compiled a list of the different types of medical protective glasses below.
Safety Glasses
Standard safety glasses with side shields or wrap-around protection are the minimum level of eye protection worn in a work setting. These are not highly effective for splashes or heavy impacts. Rather, they are intended for work conditions where general particles may be flying around. Safety glasses should be anti-fog, have shatterproof lenses, and possess impact-resistant frames. Employees are responsible for obtaining corrective lenses if they have a prescription for everyday glasses.
Safety Goggles
Of the various different types of medical protective glasses, safety goggles provide the most notable sense of protection. Goggles are ideal for chemical or fluid splash protection because they are tight-fitting in design and resistant to impacts. Covering the eyes and eye sockets, safety goggles can be worn over prescription lenses. If vapor or airborne particulate protection is required, goggles are the best option.
Specialty Protection: Laser or X-Ray
Lasers and x-ray machines are increasingly utilized in modern medicine. For this reason, specialty eye protection is crucial for healthcare workers who use this technology. Human eyes are incredibly vulnerable to radiation and radioactive light. An array of protective medical glasses are available based on laser wavelength, filter strength, and the intensity of radiation levels.
An Addition: Fluid-Resistant Face Shields
Full-face shields are not specifically considered eye-wear, but they are commonplace in the medical field, especially given the current circumstances of COVID-19 around the world. Face shields are used to protect workers who are exposed directly to chemicals or bloodborne pathogens. For the utmost safety protection, these shields should be worn as secondary protection in conjunction with primary safety glasses or goggles.
Here at American Screening Corp, we supply medical clothing, workwear, and eye protection for healthcare employees. Our high-quality medical PPE gear is sure to aid you in your day-to-day operations within a facility. No matter your profession, our protective equipment can keep you safe from common hazards. Browse through our selection of PPE products today.
