BOISE, Idaho — Refractive errors affect a significant portion of the population, with agricultural workers particularly vulnerable.
In a 2024 study surveying 128 Egyptian farmers, researchers found that 77.3% had a history of photokeratitis, 15.6% had cataracts, and 43.0% suffered from bad/very bad self-reported overall eyesight.
Farmworkers tend to experience a higher risk of vision problems because of eye safety practices and workplace injuries from dust, infectious agents, and chemicals. Farmers also have a higher exposure to UV and other forms of radiation, but research across the board highlights how few farmworkers wear eye protection at work. This can hinder production, safety, and overall ease when working on the farm.
On the other hand, a study of rural farm performance from PLoS One found visual acuity to directly impact economic performance. Farm managers who use glasses and other corrective treatments to improve vision saw an average increase in gross margins of $630. So, it’s clear that eye health on the farm is no small matter, considering how it impacts your quality of life and how much profit you can potentially earn. Here are a few guidelines to follow when farming with refractive errors.
Wear Prescription Sunglasses for UV Protection
UV radiation is one of the biggest triggers for the development and further progression of myopia and other eye diseases. The most significant natural source of this is the sun, which farmers are exposed to daily. Levels are highest in the summer and generally tend to be at their peak from ten in the morning to four in the afternoon. Even when there are clouds in the sky, UV rays still permeate the surface and hit the eyes. When this happens, the proteins inside the eye’s lens get modified and become more prone to visual deterioration and increased risk of developing cataracts and carcinoma.
Because of this onslaught, wearing eyewear with UV protection is essential. Various sunglasses can effectively defend you against UV rays if you check for the label indicating that they have a UV coating. Reliable brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley are often preferred for outdoor work because of their style and 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. You can even get your sunglasses with prescription lenses, so you don’t have to sacrifice clarity for sun protection.
Consider Contact Lenses for Debris and Chemical-Free Work
Farming involves a lot of movement that can be uncomfortable when wearing glasses. There’s a chance that your glasses may fall off, and the amount of sweat produced by the work can make different frames feel uncomfortable when worn. This can also damage and corrode your glasses over time. From a safety standpoint, you risk fogging up your lenses at an inopportune moment.
The reason most farmers still prefer glasses is because they provide an extra layer of protection against dust, debris, chemicals, and even animal byproducts getting in the eye. However, plenty of aspects of farmwork don’t expose you to as much debris. In these cases, you may be better off wearing contact lenses. Dailies or disposables are more convenient as you don’t need to worry about storage and cleaning. You toss them at the end of the day. Good brands are available at Target Optical, with 1-Day Acuvue Moist and Dailies Total 1 retailing for packs of 90. These cater to different refractive error needs, even multifocal, while using hydrating technology to prevent dry eyes and strain throughout the day. With the various elements impacting the lubrication of the eyes while farming, this is a useful feature that can bring more comfort to your daily work routine.
Use Safety Glasses for Intensive Farmwork
Of course, certain farmwork essentials require you to wear specific safety goggles. It would be best to have thick goggles that won’t crack when pruning since thorny branches can snap back to hit you in the face. To handle harsh chemicals like ammonia, you’ll need eyewear that wraps around to create a seal around your eyes. This protects you from splashes and ensures your eyes don’t get hit with vapors. For working with animals, you also want eyewear built for the task since you handle particles in hay, feed, equipment, and more.
Brands known for farming machinery and equipment often offer eye protection for such activities. Case in point, Stihl creates both goggles and glasses for different farming needs. You can wear contact lenses underneath to maintain your refractive error correction while keeping your eyes safe. Otherwise, you can also look for safety goggles or glasses that can be fitted with prescription lenses.
