Protect your eyes against home hazards

People wear safety glasses at work and while playing sports, but the same people often don't think about eye safety at home when cooking, cleaning the yard, or working in the garage. All too often, when people are doing household work, they forget about the risks they take by not wearing protective eyewear. A split second is all it takes to impair your vision for life.

Reduce the risk of potential eye injuries at home by following these simple tips during daily tasks in and around your home:

1. When Working Outdoors, Wear Safety Goggles to Protect Your Eyes

Normal glasses are not efficient at protecting your eyes because they may shatter if struck, which can cause even more damage. Home renovation projects involve the use of hazardous chemicals and sharp tools that can cause irreparable damage to your eyes in case of an accident.

So, make sure you wear polycarbonate safety goggles that provide excellent protection during yard work, spring cleaning, and home improvements.

2. Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions for Safe Handling of Chemicals

Some household chemicals like lime dust, detergents, cleaners, or bleach cause 125,000 eye injuries every year. While using these hazardous solvents and chemicals at home, make sure the area is well-ventilated and wear chemical safety goggles.

Never make the mistake of mixing caustic substances or chemical agents. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and warnings.

In case of an eye injury, flush your eyes with water for 20 minutes to wash away the chemicals and seek medical attention as early as possible.

3. Install Sufficient Lighting in Every Corner and Ensure Safety on the Stairs

Ensure safety on the stairs and walkways, and remove all tripping hazards to avoid potential eye injuries. Also, install sufficient lighting and handrails, especially if you have toddlers or senior citizens in your home.

4. In the Kitchen, Maintain Safety with Eye Protection

Cooking food can sometimes cause hot oil or grease to splatter into your eyes. Use eye safety glasses to prevent hot oil from splashing on your face and damaging your vision.

5. Always Wash Your Hands Thoroughly After Completing a Task

Before touching your face or eyes, wash your hands thoroughly after completing any work.

6. When Not in Use, Store and Maintain Power Tools

Be sure to keep all power tools and chemicals out of the reach of small children. Screws, nails, and sharp hand tools can accidentally strike the eye, while power tools can propel dirt and debris into the air, resulting in serious eye injuries that may require medical attention.

When using power tools, make sure they are in good working condition and store them carefully when not in use.

What to Do in Case of an Eye Injury

If you experience an eye injury, do not touch or rub your eye. Do not apply any medication and don't attempt to remove any object from the eye yourself. Contact an eye specialist at a hospital at the earliest.