Eye injury is probably the last thing you think about when you consider going fishing, mowing the lawn, jump starting your car, or applying glitter makeup. But it should be one of the first, advises the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons.
Simple measures can protect your eyes from blindness and vision impairment – and prevent 90 percent of eye injuries:
- Nylon-line lawn trimmers, known as weed whackers, can cause eye trauma. Before using, check for rocks and other debris, and wear goggles. Keep bystanders away while you work. Flying debris and broken nylon fragments can injure them as well.
- Keep a pair of goggles in your car trunk. Battery acid, sparks, and debris flying from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage eyes.
- Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents, and ammonia can burn your eye's delicate tissues. Always read the instructions, work in well-ventilated areas. And wear goggles.
- Glitter make-up has caused eye injuries. Use with caution or not at all.
- Fishhook injuries can cause devastating damage to eyes. Most victims are young men. Make sure young fishermen are properly supervised.
- Recoiling bungee cords used for securing everyday household items or holding down a car trunk have caused serious eye injuries. Pay attention when using them.
- Eye injury is the most common fireworks-related injury that sends people – half of whom are children – to the emergency room. Keep fireworks – including sparklers – away from children.
- Splattered fat from frying bacon or other fried foods can cause serious eye burns. Use a grease splatter shield when frying.
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