Experts urge eye protection while using snow removal equipment

December 16, 2010

With the official beginning of winter quickly approaching and the harsh reality that many areas of the country have already been buried by snowstorms, many are making sure their shovels are dusted off and their snow blowers are tuned up to aid in the inevitable job of clearing the white stuff from driveways, walkways and sidewalks this winter.

While using a snow blower to remove snow is convenient, it can also be dangerous, especially to the eyes.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), nearly 60 percent of all product-related eye injuries occur in and around the home. Some of these injuries are caused by motorized equipment, like snow blowers.

"When working in the yard, equipment such as lawn or tractor mowers, leaf and snow blowers places homeowner at risk for eye injury from stones, grass, ice and other debris that can be thrown up by powered yard equipment," the Vision Council, an organization of optical professionals, states.

While most manufacturers recommend consumers wear safety eyeglasses or goggles when operating machinery, many don't heed the warnings.

Another way of ensuring eye safety while using snow removal equipment is to have safety eyeglasses treated with an anti-fog coating.