Is Your Workplace A Danger to Your Eyes?

Workplace eye safety is becoming an increasing topic of conversation for many employees and employers. Historically, both have been unaware of the need for eye protection and more specifically, the need for the correct type of eye protection based on occupation and environment.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) every day about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries, 90% of which could have been prevented by simply using the correct type of eye protection. A survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that nearly three out of five incurred injuries were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. The reason? They believed protection was not required for the situation.

It’s an alarming statistic that has garnered the need for more workplace education about safety protocols and proper personal protective equipment or PPE. So what exactly does that mean?

The most common potential eye hazards are:

Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles).
Chemicals (splashes and fumes).
Radiation (visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation, and lasers).
Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids.

Some working conditions include multiple eye hazards and proper eye protection means taking ALL of them into account.

For example:

If you are working in an area that has projectiles, flying objects or dust, the proper PPE would be safety glasses with side protection (side shields).
If you are working with chemicalsor blood borne pathogens, the proper PPE would be goggles that create a seal around your eyes.
If you are working near radiation (welding, lasers or fiber optics) the proper PPE includes special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets designed for that task.

It’s important to note that conventional (dress) glasses are not an acceptable alternative as they do not provide enough protection to meet the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirement for many work environments. Although safety glasses can look like normal dress eyewear, they are designed to provide significantly more eye protection and must be properly fit.

If you suspect an eye injury, do not hesitate to contact our office and request an emergency appointment at one of our locations. We treat a wide range of eye injuries and are one of the most trusted eye surgeons in New York. It’s important that you are seen as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage or vision loss. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

In the event of an injury, here are some recommended steps from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to follow until you can see your ophthalmologist.

IF YOU GET SAND OR SMALL PARTICLES IN THE EYE:

DO NOT:

Rub the eye.

DO:

Blink several times and allow tears to flush out the particle.
Lift the upper eyelid over the lashes of your lower lid to let the eyelashes try to brush the particle out.
Use eyewash, saline solution or running tap water to flush the eye out.

IF YOU GET CHEMICALS IN YOUR EYE:

DO:

Immediately flush the eye with plenty of clean water and seek medical treatment right away.
Look for information on the chemical that got into the eye as some chemicals cause more eye damage than others.

IF YOU RECEIVE A BLOW TO THE EYE:

DO NOT:

Apply any pressure.
Use steaks or other food items. These can get bacteria into the eye.

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 YOUR EYE IS CUT OR PUNCTURED

DO NOT:

Rub the eye or apply pressure.
Rinse with water.
Remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
Take aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs thin the blood and may increase bleeding.

DO:

Gently place a shield (protective cover) over the eye.
Seek emergency medical help.

FOR ALL OTHER EYE INJURIES

DO NOT:

Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye. Over-the-counter eye drops can be more painful or make the injury worse.

DO:

See a doctor as soon as possible.
If you can’t get to an ophthalmologist right away, go to the emergency room.

Workplace eye hazards are inevitable in all types of occupations, but both employers and employees can take these additional steps to help ensure a safer work environment for your eyes.

Know the eye safety dangers of your environment.
Eliminate known hazards before work begins.
Use and provide proper eye protection.
Keep safety eyewear in good condition and replace it when damaged.

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.