Home Eye Safety Month

October is Home Eye Safety Month, so I'll go over a few common eye safety hazards at home, and give tips on how to avoid home eye injuries! Would you believe that almost half of the yearly 2.5 million eye injuries in the country happen at home, more than work and school eye injuries combined!? Cleaning, home improvement, and yard work are three areas which are susceptible to eye injuries. 

Here are some instances in and around the home where eye protection is needed or injuries commonly occur: 

Inside the house 

1. Using chemicals such as bleach and oven cleaner can cause severe chemical burns and permanent damage, over 125,000 occurrences each year! Don't mix chemicals either!
2. Opening champagne bottles! Never aim the cork at anyone or yourself! Try wrapping a towel or cloth around the top of the bottle when opening it.
3. Drilling or hammering nails or screws into hard walls or brick can cause flying debris or objects to get into the eye, or even cause a serious injury. Wear protective goggles!
4. Cooking food can cause oil or grease to spatter into the eye. Use grease shields.
5. Using hot curling irons can cause serious burns or injuries to eyes and face.
6. Loose rugs or railings in the home can cause falls or injuries, including eyes.

In the yard 

1. Mowing the lawn is a common one! Check the yard before mowing for loose sticks or rocks, and wear protective eyewear in case of flying objects to eyes!
2. Playing sports like basketball where fingers in the eye are quite common, and can cause permanent injuries ... wear goggles to protect your eyes! Badminton shuttlecocks/birdies also cause injury!
3. Using power trimmers or edgers can cause flying debris as well.

In the garage or workshop 

1. Working with chemicals or solvents, just like in the house
2. Working with power or hand tools that cause flying particles or debris should be a definite time to wear safety glasses.
3. Tying down things with bungee cords .. .the snapback can cause major damage if the cord hits the eye!

Although it is not expected that you wear eye protection or safety glasses for every task you do, it is important to note that accidents happen, so be alert when doing any of the tasks above, and consider eye protection whenever possible! 



Until next time ...