Posted By Laurie I've just received a safety warning that an electric arc, such as when throwing a heavy duty swith, produces microwaves which remove the fluid between the eye and the lens, resulting in the the whole cornea being removed, and instant blindness, when the contact lens is removed. Is this another version of the old chestnut about contact lenses being welded to the eye, or is this a genuine, recently identified, hazard? Laurie

Posted By John Usher This is definitely the same old chestnut - We received the same safety alert recently. It was quickly followed by a retraction. Believe it or not,this story has been on the go since 1973! John

Posted By David M. Shearer Laurie, As stated by John UV radiation or Arc Eye as it more commonly known is the hazard. having worked in the Oil & gas industry for twenty plus years and construction in the same period plus eight years as a self-employed safety advisor this is a non starter. Contact lense wearers using the appropriate protection suffer no extra risk, others working in the area should be equally safe if using the appropriate PPE. But this welding of contacts NEVER been found or proved. Contact me if you wish to discuss same. Regards David