It’s no secret that our eyes are one of the most essential parts of our bodies, and it’s extremely important to protect them as best as we can. However, eye injuries still affect over 2 million people worldwide each year!
Did you know that 90% of eye injuries are preventable? Simple precautions, like wearing protective eyewear, can not only lessen damage when eye emergencies occur, but help prevent them from happening at all.
Most eye injuries take place in one of two places: at home or at work. But how?
Common Eye Injuries at Home
Even though the risks are severe, statistics show that only three out of every ten people wear protective eyewear while partaking in activities at home that could damage their eyes, such as:
- Cleaning – Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage your vision if they come into contact with your eyes.
- Home improvement tasks – Hand tools, screws, nails, and so on can fly into the air themselves or make other parts of the project do so, increasing the risk of foreign particles getting into your eye.
- Yard work – Lawnmowers, shovels, trimmers, and more can cause debris or dirt to fly through the air. They might also hit branches, twigs, or thorns on plants could cause serious injury.
While wearing protective gear at home might feel silly, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! When participating in the above activities, wear protective eye care, as you never know what could happen.
Common Eye Injuries at Work
Eye emergencies can occur at any workplace, and these injuries are not one size fits all. The following include some of the most common ways in which your vision can be compromised at work:
- Projectiles that fly through the air or from machinery, i.e., dust, metal, wood, etc.
- Chemicals that emit potent fumes or splatter
- Radiation such as visible light, ultraviolet radiation, lasers, or so on that an individual looks at directly without proper protective eyewear
- Blood or bodily fluids that carry harmful diseases
Depending on your line of work, your employer may provide you with protective gear from the start. Make sure to wear protective eyewear such as safety glasses, goggles, or face shields. Have extra pieces readily available, too.
What Should You Do If You’ve Experienced an Eye Emergency?
If not treated properly, serious complications can occur from an eye injury. It’s important to remember that you should not attempt to treat an eye injury or emergency yourself. See an eye specialist immediately in order to properly treat the condition.
While it might be tempting, make sure to avoid the following:
- Attempting to remove foreign objects or particles that are stuck in your eye
- Rubbing or applying pressure to your eye
- Using tweezers or other tools in your eye
- Putting medications or ointments in your eye
- Taking contacts out
Trying the above can exacerbate your symptoms or even cause permanent damage in the most severe cases. The best way to keep your vision safe is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for the best eye doctor in Lancaster, PA, you’ve come to the right place! Manning, Rommel & Thode Associates are experts in the industry and can take care of all your eye care needs.
Contact us today and we’ll be in touch soon!