Eye Accident at Work? Eye Loss, Treatment, Compensation

Having a work-related eye injury can bring a lot of stress and uncertainty. You’re wondering when you’ll recover. You’re thinking about when you’ll resume work, especially if you’ve experienced permanent damage to your eyes. You’re also considering how others will adjust to or understand your needs after the accident.

How do you move forward after having an eye accident on the job? 

At Carolina Eye Prosthetics, we want you to feel supported. Below, you’ll find some helpful information, action steps for treatment and compensation, and how to protect your eyes at work.

Did you know that every month, 60,000 people in the U.S. experience an eye injury at work? 

The most common types of work-related eye damage include particles getting into the eyes, scrapes, penetration of foreign objects, and chemical spills. Some accidents may cause temporary injuries, but in severe cases, the damage to a worker’s eyes can be permanent.

If you’ve recently experienced work-related eye loss, you are not alone in this struggle — others, like you, are rising above the challenges of recovering from an eye accident.

Seek medical attention immediately and report the accident 

The sooner you seek medical help, the more proof you can gather for your worker’s compensation claim. Reporting the accident to your employer right away can also serve as a way to detail your case as you fill out your worker’s compensation claim forms.

Go through your treatment options

Whether you’ve experienced a temporary or permanent eye injury, your doctor will likely recommend a rest period under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your healthcare provider can also provide treatment options, such as surgery or getting a prosthetic eye. Research which options work best with your needs.

Protecting your eyes at work

Once you’re ready to go back to your job, there are some steps you can take to take care of your eye after a work-related injury:

• Wearing safety eye gear: If you work in environments with small particles, debris, and sharp objects, it’s best to wear safety glasses during your work shifts. Goggles are recommended for those who work with chemicals or radioactive materials.

• Do a hazard check: Before starting every shift, quickly scan your environment to identify any potential hazards that could cause accidents or injuries.

• Secure first-aid resources: Make sure to have first-aid kits and instructions in your work areas in an emergency. There are different first aid steps for eye care — the American Optometric Association is an excellent resource for responding to various work-related eye injuries.