Summer Safety: Proper Precautions for Working Outside

Gardening and working on your lawn is the perfect way to get outside and into the summer sun. However, this type of work comes with a few risks that could be hazardous to your eyes.

These hazards can consist of:

• Flying debris like grass and weeds from weed whacking or lawn mowing
• Chemicals and pesticides
• Pollen and other airborne plant material
• Dirty water from hoses or gutters
• Handheld gardening tools

At Better Vision New Jersey, we love spending time outdoors too, but it’s important to manage potential risks that can come from working outside. Foreign bodies in and around your eyes cause dryness, blurry vision, infections and even serious injuries like blindness. But don’t worry, we’re here to offer solutions to ensure your eyes stay safe while keeping your garden and lawn pristine and enjoying your favorite outdoor hobbies!

Best Ways To Protect Your Eyes

Eye Protection 

Protecting your eyes from flying grass caused by weed whacking and lawn mowing should be a top priority. Goggles, safety glasses, and face shields can cover your eyes and part of your face, diminishing the risk of particles getting in your eyes. When selecting protective gear, make sure to choose impact-resistant lenses to be extra cautious in the face of flying debris.

These glasses are not the only kind of face protection available. If you would like a little more protection from the sun, UV rays, and eye strain, opt for wrap-around sunglasses— providing you with protection from UV rays as well as flying debris. For any additional UV protection, use a hat or visor.

Clean Hands After Handling Chemicals 

Wearing gloves can be a great tool when handling hazardous materials to prevent contact, as long as you wash your hands thoroughly after removing them. If you feel sweat getting in your eyes and are worried about contamination, keep a clean cloth on hand to dab your face and eyes without touching them.

Use Caution When Working 

Many handheld gardening tools are sharp and can be harmful if brought near the face. When using small and large equipment, it is imperative for you to be attentive to those around you. Educate your children on the importance of using caution when someone is operating lawn maintenance equipment or if they are using gardening tools themselves.

Hydration 

Make sure to stay hydrated as dehydration can lead to reduced tear production, causing dry eyes, eye strain, or blurry vision. Keep a bottle of water on hand and make sure to take frequent breaks. If you feel any long-lasting symptoms, make sure to contact us at Better Vision New Jersey.

Treating Eye Irritation

If something does happen to get in your eyes, as pollen easily does, there are many solutions. Some tips for handling irritation from pollen or debris are:

• Warm or cold compress: When inflammation or irritation occurs, press a warm or cold compress to your closed eyes; this will help to reduce and soothe these symptoms.
• Eye drops or artificial tears: These can help to reduce swelling, itchiness, and any other symptoms from pollen. Using these solutions also helps to flush out pollen from your eyes, relieving them from irritation.
• Don’t rub your eyes: Rubbing your eyes when anything gets in them could worsen your symptoms or cause injury. Instead, you should use the two options listed above, and your eyes will most likely produce tears, flushing out the object.
• Contact Better Vision New Jersey: If swelling and itchiness occur and persist, it is a good idea for you to contact your doctor via phone call.
• Seek emergency medical treatment: With debris larger than pollen in your eye, causing immediate pain and injury, you need to assess the problem and make decisions to seek medical attention from there. Material like wood splinters and other large debris should not be removed by you, and it is crucial for you to seek emergency medical treatment in both these instances before any further harm occurs.

A great way to have a fun summer is by staying safe, so follow these precautions when working outdoors for a healthy summer! If you have any additional questions about eye safety, reach out to our team at Better Vision New Jersey by calling 908.276.3030.