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Eye injury: Tips to protect vision
An eye injury can damage vision and cause blindness. Find out how to prevent eye injuries at home and at work.
By Mayo Clinic staffAn eye injury can happen just about anywhere — in the kitchen, on the job or even at the playground. All it takes is a flying champagne cork or a shooting rubber band. Take simple steps to reduce the risk of an eye injury and understand when to see a doctor.
What can you do to prevent an eye injury?
To prevent an eye injury, follow these safety tips:
- Wear protective eyewear during risky activities. Wear safety glasses with side shields anytime you might be exposed to flying particles, objects or dust. Wear goggles when exposed to chemicals — even if you're just a bystander. Protective eyewear counts during sports, too. Any sport featuring a ball, racket or flying object poses a potential risk of eye injury.
- Take caution with chemicals and cleaners. Carefully read the labels of chemicals and household cleaning supplies, such as bleach, before using them. Don't mix products. Keep all chemicals and sprays out of a child's reach.
- Supervise your child's use of tools. Pencils, scissors, forks and penknives can all cause serious eye injury. Keep in mind that common household items — such as paper clips, bungee cords, wire coat hangers, rubber bands and fishhooks — also can be dangerous.
- Avoid certain children's toys. Don't allow your child to play with nonpowder rifles, such as pellet guns or BB guns. Avoid projectile toys, such as darts, bows and arrows, and missile-firing toys.
- Be careful when cooking or using hot objects. Use grease shields to prevent the splattering of hot grease or oil. Avoid using a curling iron near your eyes.
- Eliminate hazards that may cause falls. Secure rugs and railings. Consider covering sharp furniture edges and corners with a cushioning material, especially if a child or elderly adult lives in your home.
- Forgo backyard fireworks. Leave fireworks to trained professionals.
- Take caution when opening a champagne bottle. Don't shake the bottle. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders. Firmly place your palm over the cork while removing the wire hood. Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle, grasp the cork and slowly twist the bottle until the cork is almost out of the neck. To prevent the cork from being discharged like a missile, maintain slight downward pressure on the cork just as it comes out of the bottle.
- Use car seats. Make sure your child is properly secured in a car seat and that the seat belt or shoulder belt fits tightly. Don't allow a child age 12 or younger to ride in the front seat. Store loose items in your trunk or secure them to the floor of your vehicle.
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References
- Eye injuries at home. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/home.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- In the work place. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/workplace.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Eye injuries among children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/children.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Protective eyewear. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/eyewear.cfm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Protecting your eyes at work. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x4736.xml. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- Play it safe! Prevent Blindness America. http://preventblindness.org/children/playitsf.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2010.
- When an eye injury occurs. The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/eyeinjury.cfm. Accessed Dec. 22, 2010.
- Holiday eye protection. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eyesmart/injuries/holiday.cfm. Accessed Dec. 23, 2010.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 31, 2010.
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