These days more of us are spending extra time at home, either working remotely, cooking for ourselves, tackling DIY projects or spending more time gardening or any other ways to find recreation at home. But you may not know that many of the activities we engage in at home can pose a risk of eye injury. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2.4 million people in the United States suffer an eye injury each year. And on average, more than half of these injuries occur at home.
Common causes of eye injuries include:
- Slipping on the floor or falling down the stairs, which is the most common cause of injury, happening mostly to adults over the age of 60.
- Everyday chemicals like oven cleaner or bleach can cause severe eye damage.
- Grease, oil, or boiling water splashing into the eye can cause serious burns.
- Debris from drilling, hammering, or use of solvents in home repair.
- Hot curling irons or hairdryers.
- Objects being ejected with great force from lawnmowers or other yard tools.
- Sports or yard game equipment.
- Workout tools such as bungee cords or resistance bands.
One important way to protect our eyes and our vision is to wear protective eyewear when appropriate, according to Prevent Blindness, a leading eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Wear safety glasses or dust goggles to protect against flying particles, and chemical goggles to prevent exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and household cleaners. Protective eyewear should be approved by the American National Standards Institute, with the Z-87 logo stamped on the frames.