The American Society of Ocular Trauma, in cooperation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, conducts a yearly survey about eye trauma called the Eye Injury Snapshot. In its fifth year, this survey found that 2.5 million eye accidents occur annually. What’s more surprising is that almost half of these happened at home. In celebration of Home Eye Safety Awareness Month, your reliable eye specialist discusses common household-related eye injuries and ways to prevent them.
Chemical Burns
Many eye accidents at home involve cooking oil, pesticides, detergents, or cleaning solvents. Read the instructions carefully before using any chemicals. Avoid mixing different chemicals, as well as working too quickly when using chemicals. This helps prevent spills and splashes, reducing your risk of eye irritations and burns.
Cuts and Punctures
Before engaging in DIY projects around the house, inspect your equipment for any defects. Your trusted optometrist also recommends wearing protective eyewear, preferably made of polycarbonate material and certified by the American National Standards Institute. Store power tools and other dangerous equipment in a safe place out of your children’s reach when not in use.
Eye Trauma
Unstable flooring and narrow pathways in your home may cause you to lose balance, leading to falls and eye trauma. To prevent these accidents, we advise securing the rugs and carpets in your rooms. We also suggest installing handrails where necessary. Should you sustain any eye injury at home, do not rub, put pressure, or self-medicate. The best thing to do is to visit your expert eye care clinic for a comprehensive eye assessment.
For premier eye care services, turn to Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care. Apart from eye injury treatment, we also offer ocular disease management, laser eye surgery, and more. Call us at (301) 859-4060 or complete our form to schedule a visit. We serve Alexandria, VA, and Potomac and Rockville, MD.
