Eye Protection in health care facilities: Part 1

Protection of the eye is very important in health care facilities. Each year thousands of health care workers are exposed to sick patients, contaminated aerosolized environments, infected body fluids, and blood. Surgeons especially are always at risk from flying fragments and body fluids during surgery. Despite protection from prescription glasses, a number of health care workers develop various types of eye injuries. Moreover, besides direct injury to the eye, there is always a potential for coming into contact with infectious organisms or blood.

When the eye is injured or infected, one has to miss work. This adds to loss of manpower and adds more stress on the already overworked workman’s compensation program. There is no dollar figure that can entirely replicate the personal toll these injuries take on injured health professionals.

Eye experts indicate that proper eye protection can significantly reduce incidence of eye injuries in hospitals and related facilities.

What are common causes of eye injuries in a hospital setting?

- Flying objects especially during surgery (blood particles,
bone chips, metal particles)
- Chemicals
- Aerosolized particles
- Fumes
- Laser beams

How can one prevent eye injury at work?

Eye injuries can be very serious and thus a preventive approach is ideal. All individuals who work in a hospital environment should know the following:
- location of nearest emergency eye wash basin
- be aware of all potential causes of eye injuries in
the working environment
- wear proper eye protection
- be familiar with use of eye goggles

If there is any chance that the eye may be injured at work, one should wear eye goggles. There are many types of protective eyewear available today and most work well. The choice of eye goggles is strictly personal.