Stop for a moment and take a look around you. What do you see? The beat-up sofa in the living room? Photos of children or grandchildren on an end table? The dog asleep on the floor next to your computer desk?

Living in the Tampa Bay area, I have to often stop myself and take a look at the gorgeous surroundings – palm trees, deep azure skies and the powder-fine white sand laid out like a doormat in front of the glistening blue-green Gulf of Mexico.

There are few things in this world as precious as your eyesight. We humans have developed quite a reliance on this sense. So, it’s no question that protecting your eyesight is a top priority when it comes to woodworking.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Norm Abram gives eye safety such an important role in his safety schpeil before he touches a power tool during the New Yankee Workshop.

…And, remember, there is no more important safety rule than to wear these **taps glasses** safety glasses.

How can eye injuries occur? Well, something could fly into your eye while cutting, routing or doing some other kind of work. Impact-rated safety glasses – no matter what tool you are working with – can help keep your eyes safe.

I had a mishap a few years ago when I caught a piece of aluminum in my eye while cutting a screen door jamb. The bill for the ER visit and prescriptions cost more than $200 out of my pocket – even after insurance. I could have bought a lot of safety glasses and saved myself a lot of pain and discomfort if I had thought ahead.

Another way you can get hurt is by sawdust getting into your eye. I heard a story about a woodworker who got some sawdust in his eye on a windy day. He rubbed his eye, ended up scratching his cornea (the clear eye covering) and got an infection. Never rub your eyes when you get something in them – rinse them out with water or an eyewash solution.

And, if you are a wood turner, a full face shield is a great idea. Pieces spinning at high speed on a lathe could fly apart if there is a weakness in the wood or they come off the live or cup center. An impact with your face could be a devastating injury. Hey, hockey goalies don’t mind wearing full face protection, why should you?

You never know – just taking some simple precautions, you’ll be seeing well into the future.