Eye Safety At Home

Each year, nearly 50 percent of the annual 2.5 million eye injuries occur at home; that’s more injuries than occur in school and at the work place combined.

As we get into the winter months, it is important to remember to wear eye protection when chopping that ice off your driveway, stacking wood, and cleaning in enclosed spaces.

There are things you can do to protect your eyes from unnecessary injury – whether you are indoors or out.

Here are some tips on eye safety at home:

Wear Eye Protection!
This is the most important step you can take. Wearing safety goggles protects your eyes from corrosive materials, dirt, dust and mold, as well as chemicals and sharp objects. Wear eye protection when chopping or stacking wood, doing yard work and pool maintenance, chopping ice and working on home improvement tasks like painting. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, protective eyewear reduces your risk for an eye injury by 90 percent, there is no reason not to.

Wash your hands
Yes, we tell our children this, but it is important to remember as adults. Always wash hands before touching your eyes, whether you are inserting contact lenses, applying makeup or just removing a stray lash.

Ventilate Small Areas
When using chemicals like pool chlorine, cleaning agents and other corrosive materials, make sure you are not only wearing eye protection, but ventilate the area as well. Harsh chemicals can contain substances that can irritate your eyes and affect your breathing.

If you should experience an eye injury:

• DO NOT rub or touch the eye
• DO NOT apply medication to the eye
• 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.