Did you know nearly half of all eye injuries that occur each year happen at home? When you think about it, there are a lot of hazards within and around the walls of your house that could injure your eyes—from spraying weed killer around the garage to opening champagne to celebrate. In working for Delta Ambulance for 30 years, I’ve seen a lot of eye injuries resulting from household objects, some minor, some serious. In honor of Home Eye Safety Month, I wanted to share the following list to keep your eyes healthy at home, because 90 percent of these injuries can be prevented with a basic understanding and protection.
- Don’t mix cleaners and chemicals, and store these items in secure areas.
- Ensure stairways are properly lit, have handrails, and are free from loose rugs and other hazards.
- Check that all tools and equipment are working properly before use, including power and hand tools.
- Wear safety goggles when you’re working with anything that produces particles or dust, or with chemicals.
For children:
- Avoid purchasing toys with sharp edges.
- Pad sharp corners on furniture.
- Use safety gates near stairways.
- Install drawer and cabinet locks.
If you do receive an eye injury, never rub it, apply pressure or medication, or remove anything stuck in the eye. See a doctor as soon as possible. Let’s keep our eyes healthy this Home Eye Safety Month, and always.
—Tim Beals, Delta Ambulance Executive Director