October is Eye Injury Prevention Month: Protect Your Vision at Home and Work
Eye injuries can happen when you least expect them. Many people think that eye injuries occur primarily in high-risk workplaces like factories or construction sites, but in reality, most eye injuries happen right at home. October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about how to protect your vision during everyday activities. According to the Discovery Eye Foundation, more than 1 million people suffer an eye injury each year in the U.S., and most of these injuries could have been avoided simply by wearing proper protective eyewear.
Eye injuries at home are more common than you think. It may surprise you to learn that nearly half of all eye injuries occur in the home, often during routine activities like yardwork, home repairs, cleaning, and cooking. A study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Ocular Trauma, states that home-based activities account for over 40% of eye injuries. Everyday tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, cleaning gutters, and using household chemicals can create hazardous situations for your eyes.
Some common causes of eye injuries at home include:
- Flying debris from yardwork, such as grass, twigs, or small rocks thrown by lawnmowers or power trimmers.
- Chemical splashes from cleaning solutions, pesticides, or pool chemicals, which can burn and permanently damage your eyes.
- Sharp tools used for home repairs or crafts that can cause serious injuries if not handled carefully.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Each year an estimated 2 million eye injuries occur in the United States. Using protective eyewear can prevent 90% of all eye injuries. Unfortunately, despite these risks, only three out of ten people wear protective eyewear during these tasks, leaving the majority vulnerable to preventable eye injuries. Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year. More than 18,500 people injure their eyes at work every year.”
While home-based injuries are common, eye injuries can also happen in the workplace, especially for independent contractors or small business owners who may not always have the same access to safety gear as employees at larger companies. Many workers, especially those who perform side jobs or contract work, underestimate the risks of working without eye protection.
Whether you’re handling power tools for construction, working with chemicals in a manufacturing environment, or are performing repairs or maintenance tasks, the risk of an eye injury is real. Eye injuries at work can lead to significant time off, loss of wages, and even permanent vision loss, which could impact your career. The simple act of wearing protective eyewear can make all the difference.
Some of the most frequent types of eye injuries include:
- Corneal abrasions: These occur when small particles like dust, dirt, or wood chips scratch the surface of the eye, causing pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
- Chemical burns: These happen when cleaning solutions or other hazardous substances splash into the eyes, leading to irritation, pain, and possible permanent damage.
- Blunt trauma: Impact injuries, often caused by flying debris or tools, can result in bruising, retinal detachment, or even vision loss.
There are several types of safety glasses to consider depending on the task at hand:
- Safety glasses look like regular eyeglasses but are made with impact-resistant lenses. They often have side shields for added protection and are ideal for tasks that could produce flying debris, like yardwork or repairs.
- Safety Goggles provide a tight seal around the eyes, protecting them from dust, chemicals, and other fine particles. They are best for activities that involve exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning or painting.
- Face shields cover the entire face and are used in combination with safety glasses or goggles. They provide extra protection from larger projectiles or hazardous splashes, commonly used in industrial work or welding.
- Many eye injuries occur during recreational activities. Sports eyewear, such as polycarbonate goggles or face shields, can prevent injuries during high-risk sports like basketball, racquetball, or hockey.
Home Safety Tips
- Before mowing or trimming, inspect your yard for rocks or debris that could become dangerous projectiles.
- When working with chemicals, read product labels carefully, and avoid mixing chemicals that could create hazardous reactions. Always work in well-ventilated areas and point nozzles away from your face.
- Wear protective eyewear when handling any task that could expose your eyes to sharp objects, chemicals, or flying debris.
- Keep a first aid kit and eyewash station handy in case of accidental splashes or injuries.
- Don’t Forget UV Protection
While October is focused on injury prevention, it’s important to remember that long-term protection against harmful UV radiation is also crucial for eye health. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors can prevent cumulative damage that leads to cataracts or macular degeneration. Many insurance plans even cover prescription sunglasses, so it’s worth looking into as part of your eye care routine.
At Bissell Eye Care, we offer a variety of safety and sports eyewear to help protect your eyes, whether you’re at home, at work, or enjoying recreational activities. Both our Bakerstown and Natrona Heights locations carry ANSI-approved protective glasses that can significantly reduce your risk of eye injury. Investing in a quality pair of safety glasses today could save your vision tomorrow. If you have any questions about protective eyewear or want to schedule an eye exam, contact us today at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.
About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.