Eye Injury Prevention: 4 Ways to Be Proactive at Home and Work
Though it makes perfect sense to think of workplace eye injuries first, they only account for about 15% of all cases. Nearly half of the eye injuries in the US happen at home. Cooking, cleaning, and routine home repairs cause the majority of these injuries.
While in the safety of your home, it’s easy to forget about protecting your eyes, but it’s important to keep in mind. This means ensuring your tools and other equipment are not old or damaged, and wearing protective glasses when exposed to small objects or excessive dust.
1. Don’t mix chemicals
When cleaning with heavy-duty chemicals, be sure to read directions carefully and not mix products. Never mix anything with bleach, and be sure to dilute harsh chemicals with plenty of water. Keep your eyes protected by covering your hands with gloves; even after washing your hands thoroughly, you may rub your face or eye and cause irritation.
2. Be careful while cooking
Many eye injuries are a result of negligence. Even if you have made the same meal countless times, it is possible that an object may fall, or a piece of hot oil will splash up and enter your eye. Always use extreme caution when working with sharp or hot objects. Keeping your distance and going slow are the simplest solutions, but for added protection, you could wear a hat or glasses while in the kitchen.
3. Always wear protective eyewear at work
It is important that employers and employees alike are prepared for safety risks at work. Employees should be made aware of potential eye hazards in the work environment and kept up to date if any are discovered. Protective eyewear is crucial--whether it be safety goggles, a face shield, or a full face respirator, all safety wear should be approved by the American National Standards Institute. Look for equipment clearly marked with “ANSI Z87.1” for the most thorough protection.
4. Shield yourself from the sun
Sun rays can do as much damage as force or debris. Extended exposure to UV rays from the backyard sun or in-home tanning bed can burn the corneas like a sunburn, or keratitis. Be sure to keep your eyes safe from harmful rays by buying sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection from all UV light, both at home and work. Umbrellas and hats with a wide brim that provide shade will also provide relief from the sun.
Protecting your eyes from at-home risks will save you permanent damage and prevent vision loss. Your eyes are the window to the world around you, and if you are experiencing the effects of sun damage, illness, or age, don’t hesitate to connect with an expert. Please contact us today if you have any questions, or to speak to our staff about eye health.