For my clients who utilize WIDE, I see zero safety glass remakes (or cost) due to an incorrect eyeglass prescription. Translated, the employee has received the eyeglass prescription for optimum visual performance. (Please understand with those older than age 40, possibly more than one pair of prescription glasses may be required for an employee to execute all of his job responsibilities.)

Our eyes see very efficiently in full-spectrum light, such as sunlight or incandescent lighting.⁴ However, when our workplace environment incorporates what is defined as partial-spectrum lighting, our effective visual performance is reduced. Gas discharge lights or fluorescent lights are two examples of partial-spectrum lighting. The simple fact is the photoreceptive cones and rods inside our eyes respond to fullspectrum sunlight, not to partial-spectrum lighting.

Workplace illumination is based on the OSHA regulation 1926.56, Illumination.5 Review foot candle illumination in common areas, stairways, hallways, and after individual assessments.

At age 20, the photopic pupil diameter is 5 mm and the scotopic pupil diameter is 8.0.

Photopic vision is the response of the eye to radiant energy (light). More specifi- cally, this is the response of the cones in the eye to light. Scotopic vision is the response of the rods in the eye to light; scotopic vision is the reception of light that regulates the opening of the pupil of the eye.

Eye Irritation

Dry, red, irritated eyes—we see them every day. From the computer user to the machine operator and assembler, employees are seeking relief. Dry eye syndrome describes a condition when the eye cannot produce enough tears or tears that are lacking the proper composition. Normal, healthy tears consist of three layers. The layers are often described as an outer oily layer, middle watery layer, and an inner mucus layer. Together, the three layers are necessary for proper lubrication of the eye.

What are the causes of dry eye? During prolonged levels of concentration, such as when you view a monitor, the normal blink rate of 20-30 times per minute drops to about five times per minute. Environmental factors, such as exposure to debris in the work area or outside work open to the wind, and the effects of cold or heat (sweating) may be factors. Other contributing factors include contact with chemicals, certain prescriptions and OTC medications reduce tear volume, and less than six hours of sleep. As we mature, the eye's natural process is to produce lower levels of tear volume.

Treatment options for dry eye conditions can be as simple as applying natural tears when eyes feel dry and uncomfortable.

Aging, Contact Lenses

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 43.3 percent of today's workforce is older than 44. Visual performance is in decline for employees above the age of 40. An employee older than 40 whose prescription does not match his visual task will alter his posture and the distances vital to his job in order for him to see and complete his work. This results in the employee's potentially exposing himself to risk. In some instances, he gets too close to the equipment to see the work. Prolonged upper torso bending and head tipping adversely affect his musculoskeletal health and cause repetitive stress injuries in his back, neck, or shoulders.

I suggest you consider these six vision issues to reduce injuries in the over-40 group:

• Presbyopia begins in the mid-40s and progresses to a loss of accommodative function by 60.
• Visual acuity is stable up to age 50, then declines.
• A 60-year-old receives only one-third as much light to the retina as does a 20-year-old.
• Pupils become less reactive in low lighting/ contrast conditions.
• Significant dry eye signs and symptoms are prevalent among this age group.
• One in five people older than 65 has impaired vision of 20/60 or less in the better eye.

My recommendation is to use three factors to determine whether contact lenses are inappropriate for any given area in an industrial environment:

1. Does this area already have a documented history of eye injuries and thus pose a potential hazard to the contact lens wearer? Please note: Chemical splashes currently account for 20 percent of eye injuries and flying debris for 70 percent of eye injuries.

2. Does wearing contact lenses place the eye at greater risk of eye injury?

3. Do contact lenses conflict with any existing safety requirement or strategy? Be sure to identify to both employees and visitors any area where the use of contact lenses is prohibited and restricted.

Whether you steer a forklift truck, assemble parts, operate a machine, drive a company vehicle, or use a computer, your eyes are your guiding force. As professionals responsible for employee safety, we shouldn't take for granted employees are seeing as well as they should.

The current OSHA 29 CRF 1910.132(d) hazard assessment checklist for eye protection doesn't address whether there are unique distances for near and/or intermediate lengths necessary for job execution. Nor is the issue of glare protection considered. My recommendation would be to also include an assessment of illumination requirements and safeguard measures against dry eye syndrome. Employers who permit contact lens usage should have a clear, concise contact lens policy in force to guide their business operations and employees. First aid responders with proper training and resources should be capable of safely addressing contact lens issues in the event of an employee injury. An important fact to realize is that in the next seven years, the number of employees who are age 55-64 will increase by 36 percent.⁹ If your vision policy addresses the five segments I have discussed here, your employees' visual performance will not negatively impact their safety, individual achievement, physical health, or personality. In fact, I believe, just the opposite will occur.