Contacts vs Glasses for Anatomy, etc?

[NYCVetToBe]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have any advice on whether contacts or glasses are better for anatomy lab? I assume it's not very easy (including all the running from the fashion police) to wear goggles over your glasses, but I've never worn contacts and could see the fumes causing some issues.

My eyes have gone downhill a bit since undergrad, so I just never wore my glasses in previous labs.

Thanks!

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[GellaBella]

From a labratory POV (since I haven't gone through anatomy yet): glasses are better. I know in the lab depending on what you work with you're supposed to wear glasses because there is the potential that chemicals etc could get trapped behind your contacts and cause problems even with goggles/safety glasses on.

I'd assume thats the same with anatomy.. but someone please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[primatevetjess]

I wear glasses in anatomy lab, with no issues. But I don't usually wear goggles over them, as I figure they're already providing protection (especially considering everyone gets the sunglasses type goggles, and they're not any different from eyeglasses). My eyes do sting from time to time from the formalin, and I figure that may be worse with contacts (can't rub eyes, chemicals get trapped behind, etc.) but I've never worn contacts to anatomy lab, so I can't be certain.

 

[sumstorm]

we don't wear goggles in our anatomy coure. technically, soft contacts are banned in our lab (though there aren't 'eye inspections') while gas perms are allowed, but not recommended. if you do wear contacts, be sure to bring glasses and a storage case.... the fumes can really get your eyes burning, especially as the cadavers age, and some parts/cadavers are stronger than others.

 

[SocialStigma]

I wear glasses to anatomy lab even though we just have to wear lab coats and no goggles. My friends who do wear contacts to the lab haven't had a problem with the cadaver preservative fluid or anything but I don't just in case.

 

[HopefulAg]

We weren't required to wear goggles in our anatomy lab and I wore contacts all the time. Never had a problem with them and I can't recall that anyone else did either.

Though if you did opt to wear contacts, you had to sign a waiver.

 

[PigsRock]

I always wore my contacts to (undergrad) anatomy lab and I never had a problem. I did wear my glasses to OChem Lab because we did an experiment where we dissolved packing peanuts with acetone. It was supposed to represent contacts... And I really didn't want my eyes to fizz like that! But I really hate wearing my glasses!

 

[DVMorBust]

I wear glasses and it hasn't been an issue. The only hardship is that sometimes when you're getting really into it they can sort of start to slip a bit - just get one of those dorky bands if it's an issue for you. My lab partner wore contacts and had no issues (I don't think they ever mentioned it...)

I DID have my glasses save me from an eyeful a few times (enthusiastic gesticulating + some fascia on the hand = flying projectile)

 

[Shanomong]

.

 

[HandD42]

Are safety glasses/googles provided at most schools or should we pick up a pair prior to the fall????

 

[168135]

At our university, they started a policy where you can't wear contacts at all in chemistry class and you have to wear goggles over your glasses. They have a type of goggles with a rim around them that are ment to be worn over glasses. Oh boy, did I ever look horrible with glasses and goggles on.

 

[THEOSU2012]

Hey There,

So here at OSU, you are "required" to wear the safety glasses. That happens ohh for about a week or two. After that most people don't unless its going to be a messy lab.

I personally did fine with contacts in the lab. I think part of that is that I have better restraint and don't go ripping things that could fly up into my face. Also, for whatever reason I'm not all that bothered by substances.

For instance, cutting onions, doesn't really bother me, even with contacts in. So maybe its just me, but I think its a very individual thing.

Good luck!

 

[ORvetgirl]

I don't know if we were ever told they're required, but we all tend to wear ours, except during exams (no one can be bothered, and there's less spraying of humectant going on). Those of us with glasses got goggles that are made to go over them.

Someone asked if you need to go out and buy your own...at Oregon State they come as part of the dissection kit you purchase, and you have the option of glasses goggles or regular.

 

[bamitsme]

In my anat. lab, the professor mentioned that soft contacts will absorb the chemicals from the preservatives (as contacts are plastic).

Needless to say, I wear my glasses to lab now.

 

[turnandburn]

I wore contacts in lab every day without any problems. I don't think anyone in our class wore safety glasses.

 

[nyanko]

I can't really see with glasses very well, as I have an eye condition that requires rigid gas permeable lenses. Does anyone else have these who can weigh in on how they are with the chemicals?