Your home serves as you and your family’s shelter, keeping you safe and protected all the time. That said, it’s a surprising fact that at least 125,000 eye injuries per year are household-related. As October marks Home Eye Safety Awareness Month, let your trusted low vision therapy clinic, Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, share ways to prevent eye accidents at home.
Always Be Careful When Doing Household Tasks
The Eye Injury Snapshot, a yearly survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in cooperation with the American Society of Ocular Trauma, found that almost half of the eye injuries sustained at home involve yard or garage work. This includes drilling screws, hammering nails, or fixing your fence. When dealing with power tools, make sure they are working properly before using them. Once you are done, keep them in the shed and far from children’s reach.
Cooking oil, bleach, and other chemical solvents may also splatter into your eyes, resulting in corneal burns or other eye irritations. Your reliable eye doctor reminds you to be careful when opening champagne bottles as well. See to it that the cork is away from you to prevent eye bruises and trauma.
Take Your Time
Avoid rushing your household chores. Take your time when reading the labels on your cleaning solvents. We also suggest cushioning the sharp corners or edges of your furniture and securing the rug or carpet placement in your rooms. When using a ladder or the stairs, make sure to take one step at a time. Placing handrails in steep, narrow, and elevated areas is a good idea too.
Use Safety Goggles All The Time
The fifth Eye Injury Snapshot revealed that more than 90% of reported eye injuries could have been easily prevented by wearing proper safety eyewear. We advise looking for protective goggles or wrap-around eyeglasses that are certified by the American National Standards Institute. They are usually made of polycarbonate material, which is known for its impact-resisting features.
For more tips for preventing household-related eye injuries, call us at one of our locations or complete our appointment request form. We serve families in Alexandria, Arlngton, Falls Church and Reston.