March is Workplace Eye Wellness month, but really eye safety and prevention of injuries to eyes pertains to all areas-not just workplace. Let us dig a bit deeper into understanding where eye injuries occur and what we can do to prevent them.
As the weather starts to change, more and more homeowners will be going outside to do home repairs, yard work and spring-cleaning. 40% of eye injuries occur at home, most often because individuals simply are not taking the time to put on eye protection before doing these activities.
Eye injuries can occur from a foreign object flying into the eye. This could be as simple as a piece of grass while mowing, a small pebble or rock being thrown into the air while using a weedwhacker, or a piece of wood or dust flying into your eye.
Painful? Yes. Injury causing? Yes. Preventable? ABSOLUTELY! Eye protection is available at a local hardware store and should be worn every time you are participating in these activities.
Along with damaging debris, eye injuries can also occur from chemicals. Many homeowners use harsh chemicals to clean inside and outside the home. In addition, homeowners are starting to prepare their pools for opening day using pool chemicals. Wear eye protection anytime you are using a liquid or powder chemical. A chemical burn to the eye can be just as damaging and painful as debris in the eye.
Along with damaging debris, eye injuries can also occur from chemicals. Many homeowners use harsh chemicals to clean inside and outside the home. In addition, homeowners are starting to prepare their pools for opening day using pool chemicals. Wear eye protection anytime you are using a liquid or powder chemical. A chemical burn to the eye can be just as damaging and painful as debris in the eye.
Fun activities can also lead to eye injuries. We all love a warm, sunny day but the sun can be damaging to eyes. Make sure to wear sunglasses or sport-appropriate UV-protective goggles – they will help to protect your eyes from the UV rays of the sun and also provide protection during sports activities! Almost 80% of eye injuries are from sports and recreational activities. Include eye protection in your activity bags – no one wants a fun day at the park ruined by a preventable eye injury!
If an eye injury does occur, what do you do? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Eye Scratch from Small Particles in the Eye
- DO rinse your eye with saline solution or clean water to flush the foreign object from your eye.
- DO blink – helps get rid of small bits of dust or sand in your eye.
- DO pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. The lashes from your lower eyelid may be able to brush away any foreign object caught underneath your upper eye lid.
- DO wear sunglasses.
- DO NOT rub your eye, it can make the scratch worse.
- DO NOT touch your eye with your fingers, cotton swabs and other objects.
- DO NOT wear your contact lenses. Wearing contacts will slow the healing process and could cause complications, like contact lens-related infections.
- DO NOT use redness-relieving eye drops. OTC redness-reducing eye drops can be painful if you have an eye scratch and they won’t help you heal any faster.
Hit in the Eye
- Gently apply a small cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
- DO NOT apply any pressure.
- If a black eye, pain or visual disturbance occurs even after a light blow, immediately contact your ophthalmologist or emergency room.
Cut or Puncture to the Eye
- Gently place a shield (protective cover) over the eye.
- Ex: The bottom of a paper cup taped to the bones surrounding the eye can serve as a shield until you get medical attention.
- After you have finished protecting the eye, get emergency medical help.
- DO NOT press the shield against the eye.
- DO NOT rinse with water.
- DO NOT remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
- DO NOT rub or apply pressure to eye.
- DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chemical Burns & Splashed in the Eye
- Immediately flush the eye with plenty of clean water.
- Seek emergency medical treatment right away.
- Look for information on the chemical that got into the eye as some chemicals cause more eye damage than others.
Remember, the best way to treat an eye injury is to prevent it in the first place. Keep your eyes safe and your vision clear!
Reference:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2022). Recognizing and treating eye injuries. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries
Blog Submitted by:
Kelly Llewellyn
Injury Prevention/EMS Specialist
Meritus Health
