LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- October is Eye Injury Prevention Month. Most people believe that eye injuries are most common on the job - at factories and construction sites, for example. But according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma, nearly half (44.7 percent) of all eye injuries occurred in the home. Dr. Dan Hennessey with Little Rock Eye Clinic is here to offer us some tips on avoiding eye injuries.
Common Eye Injuries in the Home
• Home Improvement Projects
More than a third of injuries in the home occurred in living areas such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living or family room.
• Yard Work
This is a risk for both the person doing the work as well as bystanders who might get debris in their eyes.
• Household Chemicals/Cleaners
Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.
• Cooking with Hot Grease or Oil
These items can splatter into the eyes so avoid being too close
• Opening A Champagne Bottle
Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle as you slowly and firmly twist the bottle while holding the cork to break the seal.
Preventing Eye Injury
• Wear Safety Glasses: This step alone could prevent 90% of injury to the eye.
• Don't mix chemical products
• Before lawn work, check for debris
• Make sure spray nozzles are directed away from you
• Use grease shields when frying foods
What If You Get Injured?
• DO NOT touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye
• DO NOT try to remove the object stuck in the eye
• Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye
• See a doctor as soon as possible