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Data Shows the Home Can be the Most Dangerous Place for Eyes

Prevent Blindness America Offers Information on First Aid for Eye Injuries

Of the 2.5 million eye injuries that occur annually, almost half of those happen at home.  According to the most recent data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Ocular Trauma (ASOT), more than 30 percent of all home eye injuries required emergency room care. And, the AAO states that eye injury is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the United States.

The most common eye injuries occur when doing lawn work, kitchen projects or when using harsh chemicals. Flying debris or nails were the cause of most eye injuries with blunt objects, such as construction hand tools or hardware, a close second. The most common eye injuries are abrasions, lacerations, or other eye irritations.

Fortunately, 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear. Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared September as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public on the importance of eye protection in the home.

When starting any project, whether it be cleaning surfaces with chemicals, working on the car or doing yard work, Prevent Blindness America urges everyone to wear eyewear approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The eyewear should have the “Z-87” logo stamped on the frames and can be purchased at hardware stores and home building centers.

“We often get complacent about eye protection in the home while doing basic chores or tasks,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “But just because an accident has not happened before, does not mean our eyes are out of danger. We must be diligent about protecting our eyes today to prevent potentially blinding injuries in the future.”

Knowing what to do for an eye emergency can save valuable time and possibly prevent vision loss. Prevent Blindness America offers a free “First Aid for Eye Emergencies” sticker that can be placed on the inside of a medicine cabinet. 

Basic eye injury first aid instructions include:

Chemical Burns to the Eye

• 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.
• Try to let tears wash the speck out or use an eyewash.
• Try lifting the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid.
• If the speck does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.

Blows to the Eye

• Apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Crushed ice in a plastic bag can be taped to the forehead to rest gently on the injured eye.
• In cases of pain, reduced vision, or discoloration (black eye), seek emergency medical care. Any of these symptoms could mean internal eye damage.

Cuts and Punctures of the Eye or Eyelid

• 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.

For more information on how to protect your eyes at home, eye protection recommendations, or to request the First Aid for Eye Emergencies sticker in English or Spanish, call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit www.preventblindness.org.