Preventing and Treating Eye Injuries

Our eyes are incredibly important for daily life, but when left unprotected, they are also vulnerable to many environmental hazards. October is Eye Injury Awareness Month, and since 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year, now is the perfect time to learn about preventing and treating these potentially serious injuries. We’ve collected some tips on how you can keep your eyes safe and healthy. 

Protect your eyes 

So, when should you protect your eyes? Any activity where you are exposed to chemicals, flying particles, or other dangerous materials poses a risk. If you are unsure what kind of eye protection you may need, our experts can help you find the best option—whether it is UV-protected sports goggles for skiing or safety goggles for carpentry.

Keep children out of harm’s way while you are operating any machinery during yard work, as flying debris can injure bystanders. If you have young children, make sure cleaning products and any other substances that may contain harmful or toxic ingredients are out of reach. Don’t allow your children to play with certain toys that could cause serious eye injuries, such as pellet guns or projectile toys, like darts or bows and arrows. Laser pointers should also be kept far away from children. They can cause permanent damage to the retina or even blindness if used inappropriately. 

As always, leave the handling of fireworks to professionals only. Even a sparkler can cause serious damage to the eyes, like abrasions, thermal or chemical burns, or even vision loss.  

In case of injury 

If you do find yourself with an eye injury, don’t panic. Assess the damage and determine whether you need immediate medical attention. If your eye has a foreign body in it, do not attempt to remove it by yourself and do not rub or touch the affected area. Seek immediate care at an urgent care clinic or your closest emergency room. 

For less serious injuries, such as unexplained redness or swelling, contact your eye expert by phone. They’ll let you know whether you need to come in to see them in person or visit the emergency room. Remember, if you are unsure how to handle your eye injury, don’t guess. 

By following these tips, you will have the best chance of keeping your eyes safe, and ideally, preventing eye injuries altogether. If you want more personalized suggestions or are ready to invest in some eye protection, call us today to book an appointment.