Every day, more than 2,000 people receive eye injures at work. Of these injuries, 10 to 20 percent will cause temporary or permanent vision loss.

But there is good news. Experts believe that proper eye protection could lessen the severity, or even prevent, approximately 90 percent of eye injuries.

The first step in defending yourself against eye injuries is to complete an eye hazard assessment. Search your work site to determine if there are any lurking dangers. Of course, any hazards should be eliminated before work begins. However, even after these hazards are eliminated, proper eye protection should always be worn.

It's equally as important to wear the right form of eye protection. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, about 40 percent of injured workers were wearing some type of eye protection during the accident. However, it was not the proper type and could not prevent the eye injury.

It's important to remain vigilant on your work site. If the situation merits protective eyewear, be sure to wear it and lessen your chances of injury.

For more information, visit the Prevent Blindness America website.