Dear all,
Could we use contact lenses in laboratory in this modern day? Some people with near- or long-sightedness feels uncomfortable when using double glasses: safety-glasses and eye-glasses. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Siswanto
A lens is used to correct the sight of an individual. Normally in operation of a Machine or equipment the persons can use a Contact lense or a spectacle.
The only place where quality is hampered as per GMP is visual inspection departmet in parenterals. There will be a regular check up of the eye sight of individuals by an optholomologist and records are maintained.
Frankly speaking there are no hard and fast rules about this subject in the labs.
I have heard before that there are 3 main issues about the hazards of wearing contact lenses in chem lab:
- Contact lenses can hold particulate or liquid material against the cornea.
- Contact lenses can be difficult to remove after a chemical splash.
- Contact lenses may absorb and retain chemical vapors.
Just now, I have found new recommendation from American Chemical Society on wearing contact lenses in the chem lab, especially the academic lab:
"In many workplaces where hazardous chemicals are used or handled, the wearing of contact lenses is prohibited or discouraged. A good number of these prohibitions are traceable to earlier statements in this book that were based on rumors and perceived risks. A careful study of the literature by knowledgeable consultants has refuted these risks. Recent studies and experience have suggested that, in fact, contact lenses do not increase risks but can actually minimize or prevent injury in many situations.
"Because of the ever-increasing use of contact lenses and the benefits they provide, the American Chemical Society Committee on Chemical Safety, having studied and reviewed the issue, is of the consensus that contact lenses can be worn in most work environments provided the same approved eye protection is worn as required of other workers in the area.
“Clearly, the type of eye protection needed depends upon the circumstances. It should be stressed that contact lenses, by themselves, do not provide adequate protection in any environment in which the chance of an accidental splash of a chemical can reasonably be anticipated. Appropriate eye protection in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR 1910.132 and 133) and ANSI Z87.1a-1991 should always be worn in such situations.”