Health Encyclopedia

Avoiding Eye Injuries

How to prevent eye injuries

Eye injuries affect an estimated 2.5 million people every year. Consider these reminders from Prevent Blindness America:

At home or outside:

  • Wash your hands after using household chemicals.

  • Ensure there are no sharp corners on the edges of furnishing and home fixtures.

  • Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous solvents and detergents, and do not mix cleaning agents.

  • Turn spray nozzles away from your face.

  • Read and follow directions when opening bottle-tops (for example, wine or carbonated beverages).

  • Read and follow directions when playing games and operating equipment.

  • Provide lights and handrails to improve safety on stairs.

  • Keep paints, pesticides and fertilizers properly stored in a secure area.

  • Wear recommended protective goggles, helmets, and safety gear.

  • Use guards on all power equipment.

  • Wear ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunglasses.

  • Never look directly at the sun (especially during an eclipse).

At work:

  • Wear recommended work-related protective gear.

  • Wear glasses or contacts with the correct prescription.

  • Use proper lighting.

  • Clean dust and fingerprints from computer monitors and/or video screens.

  • Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

At play:

  • Wear recommended protective eyewear during the appropriate sports and recreational activities.

  • A helmet with a polycarbonate face mask or wire shield should be worn during the appropriate sports.

With children:

  • Select toys that are appropriate for the child's age and activity level.

  • Provide adequate supervision during activities that use sharp objects (for example, arts and crafts).

  • Do not permit a child to play with projectile toys, such as pellet guns, or bows and arrows.

  • Beware of items in playgrounds and play areas that pose potential eye hazards.

  • Keep all hazardous cleaning supplies and sprays out of the reach of children.

  • Keep children away from fireworks.

  • Set an example of using the appropriate protective eyewear during sporting and recreational activities.

  • Keep children away from lawnmowers in use, as debris may be projected into the air.

  • At school, teach children to wear protective eye wear when performing scientific or lab experiments.