Eye Injury Prevention

July is Eye Injury Prevention Month.

The mid-summer heat is upon us, and with it comes parties, fishing & camping, fireworks & fun for all. It is easy to forget safety at times & it only takes a moment for a serious injury to occur. In this busy season of fun, it is important to pay attention to safety.

Sports-related eye injuries are typically preventable with protective eyewear, so consider sports goggles for contact sports.

A common seasonal injury we see is corneal abrasion or a puncture sustained during garden or lawn work. A turn of the head can find a twig, thorn, or leaf in the eye. It is important to wear safety glasses for these activities – even a pair of sunglasses can go a long way in preventing these types of injuries.

Any number of things can go wrong when fishing or camping, so mind your surroundings. If fishing, be careful of hooks, dirty water, and slime (from bait or catches). Again, safety or sunglasses should be worn while fishing. Contact lens wearers should be especially careful about swimming in unclean water, as they are more likely to get certain types of serious corneal infections.

STAY SAFE & ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

Written by Bart W., Technician, Milwaukee Eye Care