Home Eye Safety Awareness Month
October, is declared as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month to educate the public on steps that can be taken to avoid painful injuries. According to research, each year in the United States, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision.
Eye injuries can occur from a variety of common sources, such as flying debris from lawn mowers or trimmers or splashes from household cleaners, paints, or solvents. It is recommended by your Ophthalmologist to wear protective eye-wear when performing these types of household activities.
Knowing what to do for an eye emergency can save valuable time. Basic eye injury first aid instructions include:
- Chemical burns
Immediately flush the eye with water or any other drinkable liquid. Hold the eye under a faucet or shower, or pour water into the eye using a clean container. Keep the eye open and as wide as possible while flushing. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes.
DO NOT use an eyecup. DO NOT bandage the eye.
If a contact lens is in the eye, begin flushing over the lens immediately. This may wash away the lens.
Seek immediate medical treatment after flushing.
- Specks in the eye
DO NOT rub the eye.
Allow tears wash the speck out or use an eyewash.
If the speck does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.
- Cuts and punctures
DO NOT wash out the eye with water or any other liquid.
DO NOT try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
Cover the eye with a rigid shield without applying pressure. The bottom half of a paper cup can be used.
See a doctor at once.