Do I need special glasses?

I have a CMH (LEC) light and was wondering if I need any eye protection from the rays?

Yes and no.

First off, do not ever, ever look directly at the bulb. The ultraviolet rays will burn your retinas out over time. If you're going to be working directly under and around the light, wear some UV protective glasses. (Most prescription glasses are all UV protected, and the vast majority of sunglasses and safety glasses are too.)

I always get in and do my work (pruning, watering, etc.) before the HPS turns on, so I don't have to worry about it. But if your schedule doesn't permit that, yes. Get some good UV protective glasses.

I don't normally drop F bombs in public, but here it comes: Do NOT fuck around with your eyesight. I don't care what anybody tells you.

LEC's also supposedly have UV and UVB(?). In other words, for you skin and eyes they may be more dangerous than Sodium and Halide. Do the work before lights come on. Maybe add a CFL light to the room. If you have to stay in there long - shut the LEC lights off.

Wear a baseball cap and sunglasses or bigger hat. I am fair skinned and I think Halide can cause issues with skin cancer and the LECs are even a bigger issue than Halide. I personally hate Halide and LECs are closer to Halide than Sodium.

TacoMac offers good advice. +100

Question to others - what about COB DIYs? I know those burple Mars Hydros will f' up your eyes.

Just to add a still story but a friend of mine had a 1000w hps he was useing a parabolic style shade when he was adjusting night of light he dropped it breaking build but being the dumb ass he was left it broken and continued to adjust and staying in room with broken if for a few min with no protective eye wear on any way woke up the next day and couldn't open his eyes they where so swollen and red he couldn't see for at least a day and a few days of expreance eye pain ! Point to story wear glasses ! I always do it's much easier on your eyes

I've just got a regular pair of sunnies that I use with my 90w led.

i'm a printer, and we use uv ink, that goes thru uv bulbs to cure the ink..
one night i was up on top of the press, cleaning something, and i had my helper jog the press so i could get to a dirty spot.. in doing so, the uv light came on and i was only a few inches from the thing.. what a frigging nightmare.. i felt like i scorched my retina.. it honestly felt like i took sand paper to it. i was really nervous i had just made a huge mistake and had screwed up my eye sight beyond repair..
after that episode, i won't get any where near an uv lamp without a pair of uv glasses on.. with them on, i can look right into the bulb and not feel like my retina is getting ripped out of my eye socket..
i encourage anyone who plans to spend some time under hps lighting to invest in a pair, your eye sight is nothing to mess around with..

these are something like what we have at work..

http://www.cureuv.com/products/orange-safety-glasses-for-uv-protection-uvex-ultraspec?gclid=CK_J6M_Hn88CFQNbhgod2UUONw&variant=27194211719
i've never used that exact pair, but for under $10, i'd say it's worth the investment..

TedeBoy said:

I have a CMH (LEC) light and was wondering if I need any eye protection from the rays?

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I use these. Good for all lighting. Under $15 bucks.

Sunglasses like the two above and a baseball cap or hat with a brim. Also consider having a CFL in the room or tent and just shut the LEC off when you have to work.

Freddie Millergogo said:

Also consider having a CFL in the room or tent and just shut the LEC off when you have to work.

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Great idea too. I have a cfl for normal lighting when i need it and a green bulb in case i may need light when the lights are out so i dont bother the photo period.

I've burned my eyes welding a couple times, feels like sunburn from satan. I have uv protected lenses, but my partner doesn't, and he bitches daily lol