The month of October is Eye Injury Prevention Month and Dr. Kerry Solomon would like to remind you that nearly half of all eye injuries occur in or around the home.
Nearly 2.5 million people in the United States experience an eye injury each year, and nearly 1 million people have lost some degree of their vision as a result. Most of these injuries could have been prevented by the use of protective eyewear.
Here are some of the most common places the eye injuries occur as well as some preventative tips to keep your eyes protected both indoors and outdoors.
Out in the garden – Be sure to use protective eyewear before you use a power trimmer, edger or lawn mower and make sure to check for any rocks or stones before you begin maintenance. Rocks and stones can become dangerous projectiles that can shoot from your gardening machines.
In the home – When using household chemicals, be sure to read the instructions and labels carefully and work in a well-ventilated area as well as making a point to spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently damage the surface of your eyes, which can result in blindness. It’s very important to use appropriate eye protection to prevent blinding consequences from potential chemical splashes.
In the garage – Battery acid sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started automotive batteries can cause severe damage to your eyes. Learn the proper way to jump-start your car and keep protective goggles handy in the truck so you can use them in emergency situations as well as during everyday repairs.
In the workshop – Make sure to wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from fumes, dust, flying debris, sparks and splashing chemicals. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and result in injury.
