The trees are budding, the flowers are starting to bloom, and outdoor work is in full swing. Spring cleanup can involve a lot of physical work and exposure to potentially hazardous materials and tools. These activities can lead to an increased risk of eye injuries.

EYE INJURY CAUSES AND PREVENTION TIPS:

Yard work: Cleaning up the yard often involves using sharp tools such as pruning shears, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws. Debris such as branches, twigs, and rocks can fly up and hit the eyes, causing injury. Wear safety glasses or goggles with side shields that are specifically designed for yard work.

Cleaning: Cleaning the house and garage can also pose a risk for eye injuries. Dust, dirt, and other debris can get into the eyes and cause irritation or injury. If you are using chemical cleaners, make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and understand what to do if injured. To prevent these injuries, wear protective glasses or goggles.

Allergies: Spring is also a time when allergies can flare up, causing eye irritation and redness. To minimize eye allergies, avoid touching your eyes with your hands, and wash your hands frequently to remove allergens. Use over-the-counter eye drops to relieve the symptoms of eye allergies.

If you do experience an eye injury, seek medical attention right away. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and potentially permanent vision loss.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EYE EMERGENCY?

Pain frequently accompanies eye emergencies. Eye injuries, chemical burns, sudden vision loss or blurriness, eye scrapes, flashes of light, floaters, and sudden headaches with or without visual consequences would all be considered emergencies and require medical attention. At Bissell Eye Care, we have cutting-edge equipment that can examine the back of the eye to decide the best course of action.

Any sudden or obvious change in your vision’s quality needs to be treated right away. Vision alterations frequently point to a retinal or corneal abnormality that, if left untreated, can result in permanent vision loss. Retinal detachment is one such problem. You might have a detached retina if you’re experiencing flashing lights, spots, or a shower of floating spots inside your eye.

Eye redness should, wherever feasible, be examined by the doctors at Bissell Eye Care who can determine the kind of conjunctivitis and provide the appropriate course of therapy.

The best method to prevent an avoidable eye infection or injury is to follow good eye health and safety procedures. This entails using protective eyewear in risky working situations, scheduling yearly eye exams, wearing sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays, wearing blue light blocking eyewear when using computers or other portable devices, and maintaining good contact lens hygiene.

Bissell Eye Care is available if you have inquiries or concerns about your vision, an injury, or eye disease.  call our office 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 and Saturday 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.