I know that it is humanly possible to wear contact lenses while welding, I just want to know if it is recommended to wear glasses instead.
2007-08-31 01:55:21 · 3 answers · asked by eyesavedhyrule 3 in Health ➔ Optical
Shades of an urban legend rise from the grave again...
There is no additional risk from UV flash or IR exposure through wearing contact lenses with the appropriate welding goggles/masks.
The sort of radiation exposure required to cause the contact lens to do anything drastic would mean the eye would be in serious trouble anyway, making the presence of a contact lens largely irrelevant.
A separate issue is whether contact lenses are a good idea in a dirty, dusty, environment. The older gas permeable designs could be very dust-sensitive, but daily disposable softs could offer some small degree of protection. Keeping monthly soft lenses clean could be more of a problem.
Optometrist, retired.
2007-08-31 02:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For gas welding ( oxy-acetylene ) it's OK, but any type of arc welding that could potentially expose you to a " flash " can be catastrophic if you are wearing contacts.
2007-08-31 02:02:40 · answer #2 · answered by lurned1 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You can wear them but you should have a face shield. Even with glasses you should have a face shield.
2007-08-31 01:58:59 · answer #3 · answered by Pook 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋