Vision is among our primary means of experiencing the world, and the eyes with which we see are highly complex organs. Comprised of approximately 40 components and 10 million receptors, the human eye also maintains a delicate pH balance. It is not surprising then that something so intricate is also extremely vulnerable to injury. From contact with dust, smoke or common chemicals to punctures from foreign objects, the eye can easily be compromised in nearly any environment.
The effects of eye injuries range from minor irritation to short-term or even permanent vision loss. The cost of lost vision to an individual, including diminished quality of life and the reduced capacity to earn a living, is enormous. The cost of an eye injury to an employer is also significant. According to the National Safety Council, the average lost-time eye injury costs an employer roughly $30,000.