Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Ask the Doc: Eye Need Answers

Image of Senior Airman Mitchel Delfosse, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical environmental system journeyman, attends an eye exam appointment Jan. 30, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Maj. (Dr.) Gerardo Robles-Morales, 22nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron optometry flight commander, recommends an eye exam a minimum of every two years to ensure overall eye health and correct vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexi Bosarge). Senior Airman Mitchel Delfosse, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical environmental system journeyman, attends an eye exam appointment Jan. 30, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Maj. (Dr.) Gerardo Robles-Morales, 22nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron optometry flight commander, recommends an eye exam a minimum of every two years to ensure overall eye health and correct vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexi Bosarge)

Dear Doc: I consider myself pretty lucky. I'm in my late 20s and I've never had any eye problems to speak of. I have 20/20 vision and I've never worn glasses. But...the Air Force tells me to protect my eyes and I'm not exactly sure what that means.

Do you know anyone who can give me some solid advice on the best options for eye protection? What should I be wearing at work or on the flight line? What should I be wearing out in the sun? I know I have a lot of questions, but I just want to protect myself as best as possible. Thanks in advance, Doc!

-Eye Need Answers

Illustration of a female face with the words "Ask the Doc"

Dear Eye: First, let me say that protecting a service member's eyes is vital to operational readiness and mission success. That being said, e>ye (excuse me, I) reached out to Dr. Michael Pattison at the Vision Center of Excellence here at Defense Health Agency Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, and here are his thoughts:


When performing any task, whether at work, home or play, we are advised to do a risk assessment which includes the determination of whether it is important to wear appropriate eye protection. As an example, on a flight line, you are exposed to flying debris, heat, exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and, depending on the tasks, other potential risks such as chemical injuries from fuel and other agents.

Each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment, with more than 100 of these injuries resulting in one or more days away from work. In 2019 alone, military personnel reported 9,702 eye injuries according to the Tri-Service Vision Conservation and Readiness Program at the Army Public Health Center.

The most important thing to remember, according to Prevent Blindness America, is that the simple act of wearing proper eye protection can prevent 90 percent of these injuries.

Everyone from commanders to the individual worker have key responsibilities that need to be met to prevent mishaps. The service member, their supervisors and safety personnel must understand the risks by analyzing the job tasks and determine the type of protection required. To determine if there are specific requirements in place at your

site, it is beneficial to start with asking your supervisory and safety personnel about what is required for your position.

>Nonprescription and prescription safety glasses provide eye protection for general working conditions where there is a risk from things like dust, chips or flying materials. In addition, side-shields and goggles, which also protect the eyes from chemicals, can provide additional protection if needed.

When purchasing eye protection, it is important to know that you should only purchase eyewear that have the ANSI Z87.1 logo on them. In addition, the military has the Authorized Protective Eyewear List which are marked "APEL" and should be available from your unit if required or at your local Exchange. APEL approved items meet higher levels of ballistic fragmentation protection and also provide ultraviolet light protection for work outside.


The bottom line is to remember that it only takes one incident to result in loss of vision. Understanding the hazards in your environment at work, home or while playing, and wearing the appropriate eye protection that are in good condition is essential to protecting your eyes and making sure they’re available for you to use for the rest of your life.

Eye, this should help you out, whether you're going through your command or heading to the Exchange for something that might be stylish, but also provides you the maximum protection possible. Keep an eye out for the ANSI Z87.1 and APEL logos and you should be good.

As a doctor, I can't thank you enough for being proactive. As a result, you could very well be preserving that perfect vision of yours for years to come.

Take care (of your eyes) out there!

You also may be interested in...

Navy Expeditionary Medical Unit Rotations Provide Ongoing Support in the Middle East

Article Around MHS
5/30/2023
U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Freeman Morrison, a biomedical technician, left, and U.S. Navy Lt. j. g. Andrew Mappus, an emergency room nurse, right, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Medical Unit 10- Gulf, Rotation 13, are monitoring an U.S. Army Medic Task Force Buckeye, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as he draws blood from an soldier on Dec. 20. (Photo by U.S. Navy Capt. Jerrol Walla)

The 30-member team conducted enhanced shore-based activities at Erbil Air Base in Iraq, where they provided life, limb, and eyesight-saving care to the U.S. armed forces, Department of Defense, civilian contractors, and multi-national coalition forces. They also provided critical support to facilities in the Eastern Syria Security Area.

Ensuring Sight for Flight at Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor

Article Around MHS
5/23/2023
Ocular trauma training with a focus on foreign body removal was conducted at Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor’s Optometry by U.S. Navy Lt. Courtney Rafferty, clinic optometrist, assisted by U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Cruz. The training covered such optical concerns as removing metallic foreign bodies from the eye. The techniques used were part of ensuring competency to provide comprehensive eye and vision care needed for optimal – and ocular - mission readiness (Courtesy Photo)

May is recognized by the Defense Health Agency as Health Vision and Hearing Month, U.S. Navy Lt. Courtney C. Rafferty, Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor optometrist, explains the critical importance attached to the monthly theme.

Report Reveals Military Hearing Loss is Stable

Article
4/24/2023
Report Reveals Military Hearing Loss is Stable

The Defense Health Agency’s Hearing Center of Excellence Military Hearing Conservation Report for fiscal year 2021 revealed that hearing loss in the Department of Defense remains relatively stable among service members and civilians enrolled in hearing conservation programs.

Walter Reed Audiology and Speech Pathology Center Focuses on Improving Quality of Life for Military Health System Beneficiaries

Article Around MHS
3/15/2023
World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3, and this year’s theme is “Ear and Hearing Care for All.”  (Courtesy photo)

Although World Hearing Day is observed just one day during the year, the Audiology and Speech Pathology Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center focuses on improving the health and quality of life for MHS beneficiaries nearly every day of the year.

VCE Makes Laser Eye Exposure Treatment Recommendations

Article
2/9/2023
Demonstration of new retinal camera

Vision Center of Excellence issues first treatment practice recommendations for laser eye exposure.

Hearing Noises That Aren’t There? It Could Be Tinnitus

Article Around MHS
2/9/2023
Hearing Issues infographic

Are the noises you're hearing real or imagined? If you've ever wondered that, you may have a condition that 10 percent of the adult population of the United States currently suffer from -- and not even know it.

Hearing Protector Fit-Testing Requirement in the Department of Defense

Fact Sheet
1/12/2023

Significant updates to the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6055.12 “Hearing Conservation Program” are expected to be published in April 2023. The significant change is a new requirement for initial hearing protector fit-testing to be conducted for all DOD personnel who have documented noise exposure greater than or equal to 95 dBA 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and who are enrolled in a service hearing conservation program (HCP).

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Infographic
12/6/2022
National Glaucoma Awareness Month

There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can protect your vision. Learn more and see if you’re at risk. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-campaigns-and-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth

I Am Navy Medicine -- Audiology Technician

Article Around MHS
11/3/2022
U.S. Navy Seaman Tabetha M. Sanders, audiology technician

With October designated as Audiology Awareness Month, now is the time for everyone to listen up, heed the call, and harken to the need for healthy hearing.

Mobile Hearing Tests Prove Successful in the Field and Beyond

Article
10/24/2022
Female service member in front holds a clicker while wearing a headset. In the background is the hearing test technician..

Mobile audiometry equipment can be used from the point of injury to advanced traumas.

DOD Conservation Programs Help to Decrease Hearing Loss

Article
10/20/2022
A group of service members walking

Hearing conservation programs help to reduce hearing loss in the military.

New Policy Benefits Noise-exposed Service Members

Article
10/20/2022
A service member wears headphones while sitting at a desk.

New hearing protection fit-testing policy on the horizon.

Ask the Doc: All This Noise is Giving Me Headaches

Article
6/13/2022
Ask the Doc: Noise from ship can cause headaches. Try to give your ears a rest when you can.

Ask the Doc: What is causing all of these headaches?

New Centers Will Deliver Advanced Care for Serious Eye Injuries

Article
4/27/2022
Army Brig. Gen. Katherine Simonson, Defense Health Agency Deputy Assistant Director of the Research and Engineering Directorate, and Dr. Barclay Butler, Assistant Director for Management, DHA, talks with Army Lt. Col. Samantha Rodgers, Ophthalmology chief (left), during a tour and designation ceremony April 19 at the Ocular Trauma Center – San Antonio Region, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The designation ceremony marked the launch of DHA’s first Ocular Trauma Center, comprised of personnel from Brooke Army Medical Center and the 59th Medical Group. (Photo: Larine H. Barr, DOD)

The Defense Health Agency launched the first of four Ocular Trauma Centers, which will become primary hubs for the treatment of complex eye injuries and development of cutting-edge research programs.

Vision and Hearing Primary Graphic

Infographic
4/25/2022
Vision Hearing Awareness Primary Graphic

Hearing and vision are vital components of force readiness and quality of life. Regular hearing and vision checkups can ensure you are #SightandSoundReady. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/796691/stay-sight-and-sound-ready

Page 1 of 3 , showing items 1 - 15
First < 1 2 3 > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 16, 2021
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery