The safety and efficacy of contact lens wear in the industrial and chemical workplace.
BACKGROUND
The use and safety of contact lenses in the industrial and chemical workplace has often been questioned since the 1960s because of many unconfirmed reports of ocular injury resulting from contact lens wear. Because of these urban legends, contact lens wear has been banned or wearers have been required to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) not required of non-contact lens wearers.


METHODS
Literature review via Medline and Google search.


RESULTS
Research has shown that contact lenses typically provide protective benefits that decrease the severity of ocular injury and improve worker performance. While contact lens wear contraindications do exist, in most cases, and with proper precautions, contact lens wear is still possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Industrial and chemical companies need to establish written contact lens use policies based on current studies that have shown the safety of workplace contact lens wear when combined with the same PPE required of non-contact lens wearers. Practitioners need to discuss, with their contact lens patients, the additional responsibilities required to maintain proper lens hygiene and proper PPE in the workplace.
Tyhurst
Keith
K
Marion Eye Centers & Optical, Marion, Illinois 62959, USA. keithty@msn.com
McNett
Ryan
R
Bennett
Edward
E
D002617:Chemical Industry; D003261:Contact Lenses; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D017132:Workplace