5 Jun 2018
Employers have
responsibilities to employees regarding all ‘at work’ activities. With the
summer finally seeming to have started in earnest, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
is encouraging employers to consider eye care as part of their sun protection
policy.
Employers have
responsibilities to employees regarding all ‘at work’ activities. With the
summer finally seeming to have started in earnest, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
is encouraging employers to consider eye care as part of their sun protection
policy.
The following facts and
myths will help employers and employees to understand the issues:
It
is the skin that is in most danger from the sun
False: UV
rays can be as harmful to your eyes as they are to your skin.
The sun does not cause any long-term damage to the
eyes
False: Ultraviolet (UV)
rays emitted by the sun can cause short- and long-term eye damage including
cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Excessive exposure to the sun
can cause a painful sunburn-like inflammation of the cornea at the front of the
eye. This can greatly increase the risk of developing more serious, even
sight-threatening, conditions in the future.
All
sun glasses offer the same protection
False:
Poor quality sunglasses may cause the pupil to dilate, actually increasing the
amount of UV light filtering into the eyes. Check sunglasses comply with BSEN
1836: 1997, or bear the CE kite mark and are marked UV 400.
Dangers
from the sun can be reduced by polarised lenses
True: Polarised lenses
use a layer of iodine crystals to absorb the glare. Non-polarised sunglasses
will only have a minimal effect, even though they will reduce the amount of
visible light.
The
eyelids are particularly prone to cancer
True: This is because
the skin is thinner here than on most of the rest of the body. Good quality sunglasses
will also protect the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.
The
style of sunglasses is irrelevant
False: The larger the
lens, the more protection they will give the eyes as there is less chance that
light will filter in through the sides.
Opticians
only advise on vision
False: An optician is
there to provide advice on all aspects of eyecare and not just to provide
glasses for those with visual difficulties. Opticians will be best placed to
advise on the type of sunglasses for the employee’s needs in terms of
protection, comfort and appearance. They may even offer to check the amount of
UV protection being offered by the employee’s existing sunglasses.
Sunglasses
do not count as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
False: Sunglasses may not be
the first thought for employers regarding PPE, but they are a valid requirement
for many employees who work outside or drive.
Sunglasses
can be a valued employee benefit
True: Employers are in a
position to be able to protect the eyesight of their employees while providing
a cost-effective employee benefit. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive and
may provide a small but highly-appreciated additional benefit.
Having
sun protection means carrying two pairs of glasses
False: For everyday glasses
wearers, sunglasses are also available with prescription lenses. Or, select photochromic
lenses, which instantly adapt to light changes, darkening in bright light.
As we’re approaching
the summer months, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare is encouraging employers to
consider the importance of eye protection from the sun for their employees. There
can be misunderstanding around exactly how vulnerable the eyes can be, and the
right advice and help is particularly important at this time.
For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate.
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
Website
T: 0115 933 0800
Cirrus House
10 Experian Way
NG2 1EP
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom