Home Eye Safety Month – October

The most common place for eye injury to occur is in the yard or garden. One in four eye injuries happen during home repair. However, there are things you can do, both indoors and outdoors, to help protect your eyes and body from unnecessary injury. Here are a few tips for keeping your eyes healthy and safe:

1. Wear eye protection, we cannot stress this enough. Eye protection, such as safety goggles, protects your eyes against particles and dust, flying debris and chemicals splashes. Also note that regular corrective lenses do not protect your eyes against injury; you can easily find safety goggles that are worn over your glasses.
2. When using hazardous products (e.g., bleach, detergents, cleansers) never mix chemical agents or other caustic substances, always read and follow the manufacturer warnings and guidelines, and always use in well-ventilated areas.
3. To improve safety on stairs and walkways remove tripping hazards, secure rugs, install gates on stairs, and provide sufficient lighting and effective handrails. This is especially important in homes and locations where toddlers and senior citizens reside.
4. Remove debris and inspect yard and garden before beginning yard work, such as mowing or using a weed trimmer. This measure will not only protect you, but it will prevent potential injury to bystanders.
5. Remember to wash your hands after completing a task and before touching your eyes or face.
6. Be sure tools and cleaners are out of the reach of children.
7. When cooking use shields, as this will prevent hot oils from splashing on your body, face, and especially your into your eyes.

Understandably, we cannot prevent all injuries from occurring. If you should experience an eye injury DO NOT rub or touch the eye, DO NOT apply medication to the eye, and DO NOT attempt to remove any debris from the eye. If the eye injury is caused by a chemical in the eye, thoroughly flush the eye with water. For all eye injuries seek medical attention immediately.