Preventing eye injuries Pt:2

One is advised to wear safety goggles when in contact with powerful chemicals. The Goggles should fit snugly on the face to prevent chemicals from getting under them and into the eyes. They should still allow for the circulation of air between the eye and the lens.{{more}}

Polycarbonate lenses used in sports goggles are recommended for all people who engage in high-impact sports such as tennis, squash or activities where the risk of eye injury is high.

Using fireworks at home can sometimes be disastrous. Instead watch firework displays that are put on by experts. Statistics show a high incidence of injuries from amateur backyard displays.

When using penknives, pencils and scissors, small children should be supervised. Common household items such as elastic cords, paper clips, wire coat hangers, fish hooks and rubber bands can cause serious eye injury.

Projectile toys such as darts, bows and arrows should be avoided. Children should not be allowed to play with air-powered rifles, BB guns and pellet guns. They are classified as firearms and are extremely dangerous. In most countries they have been removed from the shelves in toy stores.

Eye protection should be worn when using a weed eater or mowing the lawn. Stones, small pebbles and debris can be hurled at the eye from moving blades and can result in serious eye injuries.

Always make sure that spray nozzles face away from ones face.

Cover frying pans with grease shields to protect eyes from splattering liquids.

Shield the eyes from excess Sunlight with proper sunglasses to prevent UV damage that can lead to cataract and pterygium formation.

Always read instructions on manuals before using tools, chemicals such as ammonia, etc.

Also read the instructions before jumpstarting a car. Connect the negative ground of the dead battery last. This can avoid possible explosions.

When looking under the hood of your car never use a match or lighter.

In the event of an eye injury, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible and have your eyes examined. Even if the injury does not feel or look serious you could cause severe damage to your eyes by ignoring it. If you experience blurry vision, double vision, and partial loss of vision or pain in your eye after an accident, see an ophthalmologist or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us.

Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com
Tel: 784 456-1210