Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes
Your eyes are incredibly important—and surprisingly vulnerable. A momentary accident involving a tool, chemical, sports equipment or even a household object can result in a serious eye injury.
October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, an important reminder that many eye injuries can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.
Eye Injuries Can Happen Almost Anywhere
When people think about eye injuries, they often picture major accidents. But eye injuries can happen during everyday activities, including:
- Home improvement and DIY projects
- Yard work and landscaping
- Cleaning with household chemicals
- Cooking
- Playing sports
- Working with power tools
- Handling fireworks
- Participating in recreational activities
In fact, the home is a common location for eye injuries, which means eye protection shouldn’t be limited to the workplace.
Wear the Right Eye Protection
One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of an eye injury is to wear appropriate protective eyewear.
Regular prescription glasses and sunglasses aren’t necessarily designed to protect your eyes from impact. When working with power tools, chemicals or other potential hazards, use safety glasses or goggles specifically designed for the activity.
For sports, look for protective eyewear designed for the particular sport you’re playing. Children and adults alike can benefit from proper eye protection during activities where an impact to the eye is possible.
Be Careful With Household Chemicals
Cleaning products, bleach, solvents and other chemicals can cause serious damage if they get into your eyes.
When using potentially hazardous products:
- Read and follow the product instructions.
- Wear appropriate protective eyewear.
- Keep chemicals away from your face.
- Store cleaning products safely when you’re finished.
If a chemical gets into your eye, immediately rinse the eye thoroughly with clean water and seek medical guidance. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe.
Know When an Eye Injury Requires Medical Attention
Some eye injuries may appear minor but can cause damage that isn’t immediately obvious. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as significant eye pain, vision changes, bleeding, light sensitivity, a penetrating injury or a foreign object that won’t come out with gentle rinsing.
Never try to remove an object that is embedded in the eye.
Protect Your Vision Every Day
Eye Injury Prevention Month is a reminder that protecting your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Wearing appropriate safety eyewear and using common sense around potential hazards can go a long way toward protecting your vision.
If you experience an eye injury or notice a sudden change in your vision, contact an eye care professional promptly. Our office is here to help you protect and maintain healthy vision.
