Autumn is a beautiful season—the air turns crisp, leaves change color, and neighborhoods come alive with fall activities. But for many homeowners, fall also means yard clean-up: raking leaves, trimming branches, clearing gutters, and preparing the yard for winter. While it may feel like routine outdoor work, these chores can put your eyes at risk if you’re not careful.

As optometrists, we want to remind you that eye safety during fall clean-up is just as important as protecting your hands or back. Here’s why safety glasses should be a must-have part of your fall yard work routine.

Common Eye Hazards During Fall Yard Work

Even everyday chores can expose your eyes to injury:

• Flying Debris – Leaves, twigs, dirt, or rocks kicked up by leaf blowers, mowers, or rakes can strike the eyes.
• Branches and Sticks – Pruning shrubs or gathering brush puts you at risk for scratches and pokes to the eye.
• Chemicals – Fertilizers, pesticides, or cleaning solutions for gutters may splash and cause irritation or serious damage.
• Dust and Allergens – Dry leaves and soil can stir up dust, mold spores, and allergens, leading to itchy, watery eyes.

Why Safety Glasses Are Essential

A simple pair of ANSI-approved safety glasses or protective eyewear can dramatically reduce the risk of eye injuries. Unlike regular glasses, safety glasses are designed to:

• Resist impact from flying debris.
• Provide side shield protection to block dust and dirt.
• Stay secure during physical activity.
• Offer tinted or UV protection options for outdoor use.

Wearing safety glasses is a small step that can prevent a major injury—and protect your vision for the long run.

Tips for Safe Fall Yard Work

• Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever mowing, trimming, or using power tools.
• Clear the area before mowing or blowing leaves to reduce flying objects.
• Stay alert around branches—bend them away from your face when cutting or hauling brush.
• Wash hands after yard work to avoid rubbing dust or chemicals into your eyes.
• Keep protective eyewear accessible—store them with your tools so you never forget.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Season

Eye injuries can happen in an instant, but most are preventable with proper protection. This fall, don’t overlook the importance of safety glasses for yard work. Protecting your vision is one of the smartest investments you can make.

If you experience eye irritation, redness, or injury after outdoor chores, schedule an appointment with our office right away. Your eyes deserve the best care this season—and every season.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.