The Most Ordinary Things
Can Cause the Most Extraordinary Eye Injuries - When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is their eyes, but it should be one of the first.
In honor of July’s Eye Injury Prevention Month, Eye M.D.s across the country are urging Americans to stop endangering their eyes because extraordinary damage is often caused by the most ordinary of activities.
More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each
year, but 90 percent of these eye injuries could have been prevented if the individual was wearing appropriate protective eyewear (with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame).
For example, people can keep a pair of goggles in the trunk for when they need to jump-start their
car. Battery acid, sparks and debris flying from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage the
eyes.
Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. And be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.
Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, be sure to check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles after shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders.
This time of year, people should be warned about one of the most dangerous activities, in terms of eye
injuries. Each year hundreds of people end up with terrible eye injuries and burns from fireworks. The majority of victims are bystanders and children. There's just no way to use fireworks at home safely, even sparklers because they burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.
The physicians of
Richmond Eye Associates encourage their patients to, "Go see a professional show - it's safer, cheaper and more
spectacular."
Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.
