Maritime Blindness and Vision Impairment: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention

Reliable vision is essential for safe and efficient maritime work. From navigating decks to maintaining machinery and managing cargo, clear eyesight helps maritime employees perform critical tasks accurately and avoid dangerous situations.

Unfortunately, the risk of eye injuries is high at sea. Exposure to harsh environments, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials can lead to vision impairment and blindness. Understanding how these injuries occur and how to prevent them is vital for protecting both health and career.

Common Causes and Types of Eye Injury

The causes of eye injury in the maritime industry are varied and often preventable. Common sources include:

Flying debris from welding, grinding, or cutting metal
Exposure to chemicals such as cleaning solvents or fuel
Intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation reflecting off the water
Explosions, collisions, or impact accidents
Contact with sharp or pressurized equipment during routine maintenance

Different types of eye damage can result from these hazards, including:

Corneal abrasions or scratches
Penetration by foreign objects
Blunt trauma from tools or machinery
Chemical or thermal burns
Radiation exposure from sunlight or arc welding

Each can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. Some eye injuries that cause blindness develop gradually from repeated exposure rather than a single event. Even a minor eye injury can worsen over time if left untreated or if the worker is repeatedly exposed to the same conditions.

Consequences of Vision Loss for Maritime Employees

Vision loss can have significant effects on a maritime employee’s ability to work and live independently. Consequences may include:

Inability to operate machinery or safely navigate vessels
Loss of employment or reduced earning capacity
Emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety
Dependence on others for daily activities
Long-term medical expenses for therapy and rehabilitation

A worker’s quality of life can change dramatically following vision loss. Simple tasks that were once routine—like reading gauges, tying lines, or identifying safety hazards—can become impossible. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, and if they fail to meet safety standards, injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation.

Eye Injury Prevention Strategies

Strong eye injury prevention programs can significantly reduce risk. Maritime workers and employers should take these steps:

Wear protective eyewear rated for impact, chemical, or radiation protection
Ensure goggles and face shields fit properly and are maintained
Receive training on safe handling of tools and hazardous materials
Perform regular vision tests and eye safety inspections
Maintain adequate lighting and use polarized lenses for UV protection
Store chemicals securely and label them properly to avoid exposure accidents

Preventing injury also depends on a culture of safety. Workers should feel empowered to report hazards or request replacement equipment when safety gear is damaged or missing. Quick response to potential dangers can save eyesight and prevent serious accidents.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Eye Injuries

When an eye injury occurs, maritime workers are protected under federal maritime law. Filing eye injury claims can help recover costs for:

Medical treatment and surgery
Rehabilitation and vision therapy
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Permanent disability or disfigurement

A skilled maritime work injury lawyer can determine liability and ensure claims are properly filed under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

Legal guidance is crucial for securing fair compensation and holding negligent parties accountable for unsafe conditions or lack of training.

Protecting Your Vision and Your Future

Vision loss can end a maritime career, but proactive safety and strong legal advocacy can protect both your sight and your future. If you’ve suffered an eye injury while working at sea or in port, contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris. Our experienced maritime worker injury attorney s have represented countless injured seamen and dockworkers, helping them recover the compensation they deserve.

Call today to schedule a free consultation with a maritime injury lawyer and take the first step toward protecting your rights and rebuilding your future.

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