The eyes are very delicate organs, and any form of eye injury is very critical because the vision and the eyes have to remain healthy. In fact, unfortunately, eye injuries are very common and caused by different things, from everyday activities to workplace hazards. For maintaining eye health, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor in Katy.
This blog post will highlight some of the common causes of eye injury and ways in which they can be prevented—for your good vision.
Let’s get started!
Workplace Hazards
Eye injuries at work are far too common to ignore. Some sources of hazards at the workplace that might lead to an injury of the eye include:
- Flying debris: A potential eye hazard can be created by operation of power tools, machinery, or equipment that throws flying debris, whether it is wood chips, metal shards, or dust.
- Contact with chemicals—acids, solvents, and cleaning agents—can bring about severe damage to the eyes in the form of chemical burns and even blindness.
- Radiation exposure: Workers within the weltering, construction, and health sectors may become exposed to harmful radiation, such as UV or IR radiation, that causes eye injury if not properly protected.
Preventive Measures
- Always make sure to wear eye protection, such as safety goggles, glasses, and face shields, in working areas where injury to the eye may occur.
- Ensure that eye protection fits properly and gives acceptable coverage for the type of hazards existing in the workplace.
- Observe all safety procedures and protocols, and properly handle chemicals and machinery to help reduce eye injury.
Sports and Physical Activities
Aside from high velocity, the most vulnerable eye injuries are associated with sporting or game activities. Most high-impact and contact sports activities are prone to cause eye injuries. Some of the common activities associated with eye injuries are:
- Basketballs
- Baseball and Softball
- Football
- Martial arts
- Swimming
Preventive Measures
Wear sports goggles, a helmet with a face guard, or use other equipment.
Ensure that the eye protector fits well and will provide good coverage for the specific situation.
Learn and educate the public about the importance of eye safety during sport and other recreational activities.
Home Risks
Eye injuries can also occur in and around the house, normally as a result of routine activities. In the home, the common hazards for such injuries include:
- Household chemicals: Proper handling of cleaning products, pesticides, and other household chemicals prevents eye irritation, burns, or chemical injury.
- DIY Projects: Whether it’s a hammer, saw, or drill, working with tools can produce flying debris that can be very harmful to the eyes.
- Landscaping – Lawnmowers, trimmers, and other gardening tools will cause flying debris or may expose the eyes to irritants such as dust or pollen.
Preventive Actions
- If you are working with tools, chemicals, or anything that could be harmful to the eyes, always wear safety glasses or goggles.
- Read and follow all directions on household chemical labels, and wear the appropriate eye protection when using or applying chemicals.
- Keep in good condition all tools and equipment, and use them properly to avoid injuring the eyes.
Accidental Trauma
Accidental trauma is another common cause of eye injuries and can occur in various situations, including:
- Falls
- Striking the eye against a hard object
- Blows to the eye from sports, fights, or accidents
- Penetrating injuries from sharp objects
Preventive Measures
- Caution should be exercised in activities with a risk of falling or getting a blow to the head, such as in sports, recreation, or working at heights.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment such as a helmet or safety goggles when participating in activities that carry a high risk.
- Keep sharp objects out of reach of children and properly store them to avoid any accidental injury.
Digital Eye Strain
With the growing use of digital equipment, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, digital eye strain is now a common phenomenon. Prolonged use of digital devices may lead to:
- Eye Strain
- Dry eyes
- Description:
- Visual impairment
- Shoulders and necks
Human Measures
- Give your eyes a break from the screen of your digital device more often to prevent eye strain.
- Implement the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away from you.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast of your digital devices to reduce the glare effect and make your eyes strain less.
- You might want to cut down on eye strain by the use of computer glasses or blue-light blocking lenses that seek to protect the harmful effects of blue light on your eyes.
Conclusion
One will maintain healthy eyes and vision by protecting the eyes from injury. One would prevent common injuries by knowing some frequent causes and thereby take safety measures to avoid the risk of such injuries. As such, wear the right eye protection for the task, follow safety measures, and get immediate medical attention for eye injury or any sign of eye problem to keep your eyes safe. Protect your eyes because they are precious!
