Medical Conditions > Eye Injury Prevention

More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each year in the United States, but 90% of them could have been prevented.

With children...
Pay attention to their age and maturity level when buying toys and games. Avoid projectile toys such as bows and arrows, darts and pellet guns. And make sure that children have protective eyewear when playing on the field, in the yard or on the court.

In the house...
When using household chemicals, read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can burn your eyes' delicate tissues.

In the workshop...
Think about the work you will be doing and the appropriate eyewear to shield your eyes from the flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks, and splashing chemicals. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause an injury.

In the garden...
Put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from blades.

In the workplace...
Wear appropriate safety eyewear (with a "Z87" mark on the lens or frame) for your job. Many of the thousands injured each day didn't think they needed eye protection or wore eyewear inappropriate for the job.

Around the car...
Battery acid, sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jumped auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car.

Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. If you do experience an eye injury, see your Eye M.D. or physician promptly.

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