October is notable for seeing pumpkins, blooming mums, and the leaves beginning to change to the beautiful fall season colors. Also, in October, Eye Injury Prevention Month emphasizes the importance of preventing accidents and injury to your eyes. Did you know that 44% of eye injuries happen in the home, and about 15% of eye injuries occur in the workplace? Nearly one million people are affected annually by an eye injury, and 90% of those injuries could have been prevented if the individuals wore protective eyewear. This statistic underscores the significant role we can play in our own eye health. We want to bring awareness to ensure healthy eyes by sharing tips and facts that should be a year-round concern, empowering you to take control of your eye health and prevent these injuries.
What Are The Most Common Eye Injuries?
Home Improvement Projects
It’s essential to keep your tools in good condition when doing any home improvements around the house or in the yard. Damaged tools should be replaced or repaired. When drilling or hammering screws or nails into walls or hard surfaces like brick or cement, there is a risk of screws or nails flying into the air or fragments coming off the surface.
Costume Contacts and Makeup
Halloween is fast approaching, and many people will apply makeup near their eyes or wear contacts to enhance their costumes. Please remember to avoid putting makeup too close to your eyes, and don’t use expired products or costume contacts unless prescribed by your eye doctor.
Too Much Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause significant damage to the eyes. The harmful UVA and UVB rays from overexposure can cause corneal sunburns. It is essential to wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays while raking leaves, driving, or playing sports outdoors.
Sports-related Accidents
The football season is in full swing, and for those who play football or any sport, a forceful impact can damage the orbital socket and eye if the eyes are unprotected. This is why athletes must wear protective goggles, faceguards, and helmets. Whether playing for a league or having fun playing a sport in the backyard, always remember to wear the proper safety gear.
Chemical Exposure
We are exposed daily to various chemicals from cooking products, pesticides, cleaning products, and car batteries. For instance, a splash of hot oil while cooking or a fume from a cleaning product can accidentally irritate or injure our eyes. Always wear protective glasses and follow instructions to prevent an eye injury.
How To Treat An Eye Injury?
If an eye injury occurs to you or a loved one, remember to follow the safety tips below to protect your eyes:
- Do not rub the eye
- Do not apply pressure
- Flush the eye with clean water if the eye was exposed to chemicals
- Do not remove or pull any object that may be stuck in the eye
- Immediately seek medical attention!
Have A Safe and Happy Fall Season!
Keep your eyes healthy and safe year-round! If you are experiencing any changes in your eye health, contact us TODAY to schedule an appointment, and make sure you give your eyes plenty of love. Remember, your commitment to maintaining healthy eyes is a year-round endeavor, not just during Eye Injury Prevention Month. Your eyes deserve care and attention every day of the year, so let’s stay motivated and keep them healthy!
Thank You For Trusting Us With Your Eye Health!
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
