Protecting Your Vision: Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses While Working with Chemicals
If you’re one of the 45 million people who wear contact lenses, then you know just how convenient they can be for everyday wear. But what happens when you need to work with chemicals, either at your place of employment or while doing DIY projects at home? It’s essential to take steps to protect your eyes from exposure to harmful substances, while still being able to wear your contacts.
Here are some tips for wearing contact lenses while working with chemicals:
Choose the Right Eye Protection
It’s essential to wear eye protection such as goggles or a face shield when working with chemicals. These safety devices will help prevent hazardous substances from getting into your eyes.
But what about your contact lenses? It’s not recommended to wear contacts with your eye protection, as they can trap chemicals and cause irritation or injury. Instead, opt for prescription safety glasses that can be worn over your contacts. They’re available in a variety of styles and can be fitted to your unique needs.
It’s also important to follow proper hygiene practices when handling your contacts and safety glasses. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses and use a disinfectant solution to clean your lenses and eyewear after each use.
Minimize Exposure
When working with chemicals, try to limit your contact with them as much as possible. This means wearing gloves and other protective clothing, as well as avoiding touching your face or eyes while working.
If you need to wear contacts while working with chemicals, try to minimize your exposure time. Take breaks every hour or so to remove your contacts and wash your eyes with a saline solution to flush out any residual chemicals.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
Before you start working with chemicals, talk to your eye doctor about your contact lens use. They can provide recommendations on the types of lenses you should wear and how long you should wear them while working with chemicals.
You may also want to consider getting prescription safety glasses specifically designed for your contact lens needs. These glasses can be made with a prescription that matches your contacts, ensuring that you don’t sacrifice your vision while protecting your eyes.
In Conclusion
Wearing contact lenses while working with chemicals doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these tips and taking steps to protect your eyes, you can safely wear contacts while working around harmful substances.
Remember, when in doubt, always prioritize your vision and talk to your eye doctor about the best ways to protect your eyes while on the job.