According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, at least 2.5 million eye injuries happen each year in the United States. Out of this number, 125,000 are related to common household products. As we celebrate Home Eye Safety Awareness Month this October, Vienna Eyecare Center, your leading provider of high-quality contact lenses and other eye care services, sheds light on this problem:
Common Eye Injuries at Home
Many household-related eye injuries are a result of improper use of ordinary household chemicals. Cooking oil, bleach, and cleaning solvents can burn your eyes if they accidently splatter while you’re using them. Inadequate lighting and lack of handrails in certain rooms may also cause you to fall and sustain eye trauma. Improper usage of power tools is another common cause of eye injuries in the home.
Ways to Prevent Eye Accidents at Home
Did you know that around 90% of the reported eye injuries annually could have been prevented? This is why we recommend using safety goggles approved by the American National Standards Institute when engaging in hazardous work. Wearing wrap-around eyeglasses can also reduce the risk of chemicals splashing into your eyes.
If you are planning to use cleaning solvents, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Avoid mixing them with other substances. Maintaining adequate and proper lighting in your home is also crucial. We also suggest placing handrails, particularly in elevated, steep, and narrow areas of your home.
When it comes to outdoor chores, take your time, especially when using power tools. Check your equipment first and remove any visible debris before starting activity. Once you are done, store the tools in a safe place, out of reach of children.
In case you sustain an eye injury, do not touch, rub, or put any pressure on the affected eye. The best thing to do is to head to your reliable eye clinic. We will perform an eye exam to assess your condition, and then we will provide treatment.
For more home eye safety tips, call us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our form. We Fairfax, Reston, and Tysons Corner, VA.
