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Effect of personal protective eyewear on postural stability
Lloyd R Wade1, Wendi H Weimar, Jerry Davis
1Department of Health and Human Performance, Auburn University, Alabama, USA. cwade@engr.pitt.edu
Ergonomics
|November 17, 2004
Summary
Personal protective eyewear may impair postural stability by altering visual input. This study found significant effects on balance, especially on challenging surfaces, highlighting risks for workers in construction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomechanics
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Postural stability relies heavily on visual input.
- The impact of personal protective eyewear (PPE) on postural stability is not well understood.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates protective eyewear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of OSHA-regulated personal protective eyewear on physiological factors of postural stability.
- To determine if new or artificially aged protective eyewear impacts balance differently.
- To assess changes in postural stability pre- and post-wear of protective eyewear.
Main Methods:
- Twenty college students (ages 19-25) participated.
- Used NeuroCom Balance Master System and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) protocol.
- Tested three eyewear conditions: control (no eyewear), new, and artificially aged.
Main Results:
- Significant main effects observed for eyes open/firm flat surface and eyes open/foam flat surface conditions (p
- Postural stability was negatively affected by wearing personal protective eyewear.
- Altered visual input from eyewear impacts the ability to maintain balance.
Conclusions:
- Personal protective eyewear, while crucial for eye injury prevention, can negatively affect visual input and postural stability.
- Individuals using protective eyewear daily should be aware of potential balance impairments.
- These effects are particularly relevant in high-risk occupational environments like construction.