Avoiding Eye Injuries
How to prevent eye injuries
Eye injuries affect an estimated 2.5 million people every year. Consider these reminders from Prevent Blindness America:
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At home or outside:
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Wash your hands after using household chemicals.
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Ensure there are no sharp corners on the edges of furnishing and home fixtures.
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Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous solvents and detergents, and do not mix cleaning agents.
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Turn spray nozzles away from your face.
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Read and follow directions when opening bottle-tops (for example, wine or carbonated beverages).
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Read and follow directions when playing games and operating equipment.
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Provide lights and handrails to improve safety on stairs.
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Keep paints, pesticides and fertilizers properly stored in a secure area.
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Wear recommended protective goggles, helmets, and safety gear.
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Use guards on all power equipment.
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Wear ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunglasses.
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Never look directly at the sun (especially during an eclipse).
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At work:
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Wear recommended work-related protective gear.
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Wear glasses or contacts with the correct prescription.
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Use proper lighting.
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Clean dust and fingerprints from computer monitors and/or video screens.
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Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
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At play:
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With children:
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Select toys that are appropriate for the child's age and activity level.
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Provide adequate supervision during activities that use sharp objects (for example, arts and crafts).
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Do not permit a child to play with projectile toys, such as pellet guns, or bows and arrows.
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Beware of items in playgrounds and play areas that pose potential eye hazards.
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Keep all hazardous cleaning supplies and sprays out of the reach of children.
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Keep children away from fireworks.
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Set an example of using the appropriate protective eyewear during sporting and recreational activities.
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Keep children away from lawnmowers in use, as debris may be projected into the air.
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At school, teach children to wear protective eye wear when performing scientific or lab experiments.
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