Protective Measures You Should Take When You’re Blind in One Eye

When I was in college I had a blind chemistry professor. He never told us how he became blind, but some of his comments about the importance of protecting our eyes in the lab did make me wonder if it was an accident.

It’s important to take care of your eyes even when you have two good ones, but when you’ve only got one good eye, it’s crucial. Losing that eye is the difference between being a mostly functional member of society and being completely disabled. I’m not trying that to make people feel anxious, but it’s important to be careful.

Here are some things I suggest for protecting your eyes.

Polycarbonate lenses

I’ve been using these since I was a kid. My mom practically made me, since polycarbonate is a lot stronger than traditional plastic or glass lenses. It’s also more expensive; some vision plans don’t cover them, which might lead some people to avoid them. If at all possible, don’t; a couple hundred bucks every couple of years is worth having a little more protection for your one good eye.

No contacts

If you use contacts, it might be worth thinking about not doing so. Aside from the extra protection glasses give to your eyes, there is a greater risk of eye infection. About the last thing a person with one good eye wants to hear is the words “eye infection.”

Safety goggles

Years ago I was using a weed trimmer in my lawn when I got a small particle in my good eye. I could still see, but it watered, and after 10-15 minutes it was clear blinking wasn’t going to get it out. I put it under the faucet, and nothing happened. By now I was starting to get scared, so I got online and found a way to get the particulate out by pulling one eyelid over the other.

It worked, but after that I decided to start wearing safety goggles when I mow and weed trim the lawn. Yes, I’m the only guy who probably does it. Yes, I probably look slightly ridiculous. I don’t care. I need my vision. Plus, a good pair of safety goggles are readily available at the hardware store, don’t cost too much, and last for a long time.

On a related note, I also wear earplugs to protect my hearing, too.

Annual ophthalmologist visits

A few years ago I decided to establish myself with a well-respected ophthalmologist center in my area. I’m not talking about a place that sells glasses. Going there is important, too, but most glasses centers use optometrists, who do not have the level of expertise that an opthamologist does. There is a lot to be said for establishing yourself with people who have high expertise with eyes, both to keep tabs on your bad eye and make sure everything is okay with your good eye.

There are some drawbacks. They cost some money, either out of pocket if you don’t have insurance or a copay if you do. Also, if you get glasses in the same year, that may mean you get the honor of having your eyes dilated twice in the same year, which is irritating, I know.

But the upside is knowing that you’re established with someone, and that if something comes up, you can more easily get help. This happened to me when I suffered a detached retina in my bad eye; I knew exactly who to call up, and they were able to get me in the next day with no lengthy paperwork to fill out, since I was already established with them. Plus, they had my history so they knew what had changed and how.

Anything else you can think of? Share in the comments.