October is Eye Injury Prevention Month

Man Using Woodworking Machine

Nearly 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Understanding and implementing safety practices, such as using protective eyewear, could prevent 90 percent of injuries. October is Eye Injury Prevention Month. This observance allows us to build awareness of common eye injuries, and more importantly share prevention methods to avoid these eye injuries from happening.

Common Eye Injuries

About 125,000 of all eye injuries involve common household products and each day and about 2,000 workers suffer an on-the-job eye injury. Of all the work-related eye injuries, 10 to 20 percent will result in temporary or permanent vision loss.

The most common eye injuries include:

  • Corneal abrasion (scratched eye)
  • Penetrating or foreign object
  • Chemical burns
  • Eye swelling
  • Subconjunctival hemorrhage (eye-bleeding)
  • Traumatic iritis (inflammation of the colored part of the eye)
  • Hyphemas (bleeding inside the eye)
  • Orbital blowout fractures (fracture of one or more bones supporting the eye)

Of these injuries, foreign objects in the eye are the most common. In fact, foreign objects in the eye account for about 35 percent of all eye injuries.

Tips for Preventing Eye Injuries

  • Wear appropriate eye protection: regular eyeglasses or sunglasses do not necessarily provide adequate protection from debris or chemicals.
  • Wear safety glasses or dust goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
  • Wear chemical goggles to protect your eyes from exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
  • Light your environment well enough to walk downstairs or work safely in a room. Always use handrails to prevent falls when climbing up or descending stairs.
  • Prior to mowing or edging, inspect your lawn and remove debris.
  • Store paints, fertilizers, pesticides and similar chemicals in a secure location.
  • Keep tools in good condition; repair or replace broken tools.

Treatment for Eye Injuries

Treatment for eye injuries depends largely on the type of injury to the eye. Eye injuries from foreign objects require the removal of the object, for example, while a fractured eye socket may require oculoplastic surgery.

If you have had an eye injury, or if you would like more information about preventing eye injuries, contact Florida Eye Specialists today. In addition to care for eye injuries, our Jacksonville eye doctors provide a number of services, including care for cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, and procedures such as LASIK and oculoplastic surgery. To book an appointment at any one of our six convenient locations, call 904-564-2020.

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