Discover - Safe or Unsafe?

With all the sources of light that we have around us, we need to know which might be dangerous to our eyes.  To look directly into any sort of light (unless your eyes are being examined by your eye doctor) is never a good idea.  Light is a form of energy.  A certain type or brightness of light might have enough energy to cause permanent damage to your eyes.  This is something you should never risk.
Although we rely on light to survive, we need to be aware that light can hurt us. Have you ever heard that you should never shine light from a laser pointer directly into eyes? While not all laser pointers are dangerous, some can cause permanent damage to eyes. Never take that risk with your eyes. The specialized ultraviolet lights in tanning beds can cause damage to your eyes. That is why people who use tanning beds should wear eye protection. Start to consider other light sources you see around you. Have you ever noticed what sorts of lights require extra safety precautions or eye protection?

Question: How can we protect our eyes from various light sources?


Instructions:

  1. Look through the following descriptions and images, decide if staring directly at that light sources is SAFE or UNSAFE. 
  2. Click on each to check your answers. 
The light given off by the equipment they use is so bright that it can actual cause blindness.  In addition to protecting welders' eyes, safety equipment protects their eyes and faces from flying sparks.
The light produced by a candle is about one hundred times less bright than a normal light bulb; it is not bright enough to hurt your eyes.
LCD screens from cell phones, tablets, and computers can lead to eyestrain if you stare at them for too long.  However, if they are used correctly, the light from these screens does not harm your eyes.

Unsafe - Welders wear safety masks or eye protection when working.


Staring directly at the Sun focuses a high amount of UVA/UVB radiation directly into your eyes.  The brightness and energy from this light can cause serious damage to your eyes, and possibly even blindness.  The only safe way to view the Sun is using a specialized solar viewer, or a welder's glass.  When outdoors, you should also wear sunglasses and/or a hat to protect your eyes from incidental damage from the Sun.
These bilirubin lights are used to treat newborn babies who have jaundice.  This light helps to break down the excess bilirubin in their bodies that causes the jaundice.  Because the brightness of these lights can cause permanent eye damage, the babies have to wear protective eye coverings when they are under the lights.  Parents are warned not to look directly at the lights when in the room.

Unsafe - NEVER look at the Sun directly. Wear sunglasses and hat when outside to protect against Sun's UV rays.

Unsafe - Babies wear protective eye covering. Parents avoid looking directly at the lights

Career Connection


Video

Welders must wear protective eyewear because the light from the equipment they use is so bright it can cause blindness. The safety equipment also protects their eyes and face from flying sparks as they are working. Because they work with this equipment every day, welders know that ALWAYS wearing their safety equipment is very important. If you are ever near a welder, do not stay there—or protect your eyes!

Here is a short clip showing a welder at work.