Eye Injury Prevention Month: Top Tips to Keep Eyes Safe

People experience much of the world through their eyes. We need eyes when communicating with other people and machines throughout the day—when working, playing, cooking, and eating. 

Despite being essential, the eyes are among the body's most vulnerable parts of the body. They are exposed to the elements and various possible injuries. Because they are so important and vulnerable, it is crucial to take steps to protect them. People must be proactive in taking care of their vision to enjoy it for a long time. 


 

Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure your eyes are always healthy and safe. Many ocular conditions that affect people can be managed if eye doctors detect them early. Also, your eye doctor can prescribe the corrections needed if you have vision issues. It would ensure that the quality of your life remains at its best.

Hygiene

Good hygiene is the first thing you should ensure you practice when dealing with your eyes. Dirty hands and makeup can carry disease agents that can affect your eyes. You can easily get infected when you touch your eyes with dirty hands. 

Our eyes are significantly more susceptible to infection after some procedures like surgery. Diseases like pink eye can occur when you touch your eyes with your hands with drops from a cough.

 

Protective Wear

Another important thing you should do to ensure eye safety is to protect your eyes. It would be best to have protective eyewear when working at home, in the workshop, or a warehouse. Also, protective eyewear is essential when playing contact sports.

Protective eyewear will protect your eyes from flying debris or chemicals that splash. Both can be detrimental to your eyes and, in some instances, cause blindness. Contact sports expose you to eye trauma that can affect your vision.

 

Wear a Wide-brimmed Hat and Sunglasses

The sun is one of the most critical aspects of daily life. However, the sun is also the source of UVA and UVB, both dangerous to your eye health. Ultraviolet light does not have immediate effects on the eyes but gradually exerts damage.

Every time you go out, ensure you have sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes. Teach your children to wear sunglasses when they are playing outside. Most of the ultraviolet light damage you have in your eyes started when you were young.

Quit Smoking

Smoking predisposes you to ocular diseases earlier in life. Some conditions that can develop due to smoking are macular degeneration, damage to the optic nerve, and cataracts. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but the more you try, the higher your chances of succeeding. You can ask a professional for help to kick the habit. 

 

Sleep and Eat Well

Rest and a good diet are very important to eye health. Establishing a rich diet with all the necessary nutrients for healthy eyes would be best. Some primary nutrients you should have are omega-3, vitamin A, and foods that help manage blood sugar and obesity.

Eye Injuries can happen in the workplace, school, at home, and out when enjoying life. With Halloween around the corner this October, more potential eye injuries are in store from pointy, pokey costumes and colored contacts. Ensure that you exercise proper precaution when in situations that pose a threat to eyes and always call Eye Care Centers immediately if you are experiencing an eye emergency.


For more tips on how to keep your eyes safe, visit Eye Care Center at our offices in Fridley, Maplewood, or Maple Grove, Minnesota. Call (763) 308-8440, (651) 777-3555, or (763) 420-6981 to book an appointment today.