Farmers asked to reduce risks of eye injuries

FARMERS have been warned this week to take care of their eyes and to wear goggles when carrying out any activity that could involve either a particle or chemical threat to their facial area.

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), has asked farmers to be aware at all times of the risk posed to their eyes during certain activities – serious problems can be avoided by just taking a few simple precautions.

They point out that while human eyes are tough and have a certain degree of natural protection, this is still no match for chemicals or when eyes are exposed to dangerous particles.

“Eye protection is needed in many daily farm activities. Farmers often wear eye protection for certain tasks, yet many needless eye injuries still occur which could have been prevented by wearing protective eye wear,” the ICO have said this week.

The eye doctors of Ireland (ICO) recommend the following eye protection measures to help famers greatly reduce the risk of eye injuries:

■ Protective eyewear should include side protection unless there is no possible chance of injury from side impact, splashes or sparks.

■ Always put on protective eyewear before entering an area where hazards may be present.

■ Eye protection must fit properly and comfortably, including when worn over prescription eyeglasses.

■ Protective eyewear should be regularly checked for damage and replaced if there is any defect.

They also advise farmers to acquaint themselves with the hazards that could confront them such as field jobs involving dust, grinding, drilling, sawing, welding, the repair of farm machinery, spray painting and the use of agricultural chemicals.

ICO also advise that safety glasses with lenses and frames – meeting industrial safety lens standards – offer the greatest protection. Close-fitting safety glasses with brow-guards and side shields offer better protection than plain spectacles.

“Goggles fit snugly around the eyes, providing protection from all angles. If you wear prescription glasses, most goggles will fit around them. Goggles are usually ventilated and can be treated with an anti-fog solution.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.