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October is Eye Injury Prevention month, focusing attention on commonsense ways to protect your eyes and vision from injury. Each year in the US, more than two million people experience a preventable eye injury, many of which cause some vision loss, even blindness.
Here are easy ways to help prevent these injuries and protect your vision:
Wear Quality Sunglasses – UVA and UVB rays from sunlight can damage eyes and impact vision. When outside, driving or even sitting inside next to windows that expose you to significant glare, wear sunglasses specifically marked to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles provide the best protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also helpful.
Wear Safety Goggles – Did you know that nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home? Everyday chores like cooking, cleaning, unclogging drains, spraying pesticides, trimming back trees or bushes, and performing repairs account for a surprising number of eye injuries. When using powerful cleansers or solvents, deep-frying food, and certainly while using power tools that may spray debris or projectiles, it is always a good idea to wear safety goggles. You may feel a bit silly deep-frying in googles, but avoiding hot oil in your eyes is worth it.
Wear Appropriate Sports Gear – Sports and physical activities account for more than 40% of eye injuries, so wear the appropriate protection for your activity, whether goggles, a helmet or a face guard.
Use Contact Lenses as Directed – Old or dirty contact lenses account for a large number of infections, and some can be serious. Always clean and replace contacts as directed, and routinely clean and replace storage cases. Never wear contacts to bed unless you have the type designed to be worn while sleeping. People prone to eye infections should avoid this type of lens altogether.
Ditch Old Makeup – Eye makeup can collect bacteria over time, so throw away mascara, liquid eyeliner and eyeshadow every 3-6 months, especially if you notice a change in scent or color. Never share eye makeup with anyone.
Should you suffer from an eye injury, do not touch or rub your eye, as this could invite infection. In the case of a burn or chemical entering the eye, flush outward with cold, clean water or, better yet, a sterile eye solution. All serious injuries warrant immediate emergency attention.
