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Understanding The Causes Of Eye Injuries.

When it comes to protecting your vision, prevention is definitely superior to cure.

• 70% of injuries are due to impact from flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye.  Wearing the appropriate eye protection is the single best means of keeping your vision safe and healthy.  3 out of every 5 injuries happen to those who either were not wearing the correct protection or were not wearing anything at all.
• 90% of eye injuries are preventable. Choosing protective eye wear is a matter of selecting the protective device that has been designed for specific hazardous activities. Protective glasses and eye shields should fit properly.
• Poorly fitting protection is liable to cause an accident.

While occupational and industrial hazards are the most commons cause of eye damage, recreational activities are another common reason for trips to A&E.

• Always use the correct protection appropriate to your sport.  If in doubt, ask a Manager.
• Fish hooks account for a high proportion of eye injuries.  Use caution when fishing.
• Motorcyclists should wear eye protection whenever biking.  Rocks and debris hurled by the wheels of other vehicles and air born objects like insection when travelling at high speed can cause damage to unprotected eyes.
• Eye injuries can be caused by more than objects hitting and damaging the eye.  UV damage can occur from sun glare.  Sunglasses can protect the eye when it is exposed to prolonged sun exposure.

Seeking Immediate Care

Often seemingly minor injuries are ignored or treated at home.  With any eye injury it is best to seek treatment from a professional.

• Cuts to the eye, damage due to chemicals or foreign matter stuck in the eye should not be ignored.  You cannot treat these on your own.  Seek medical help immediately.
• Blows to the eye - even if they seem slight - can seriously damage your eye.  Bruising, difficulty seeing and pain should be referred to your doctor.
• In the case of chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Prevention Is Critical To Healthy Vision

Preventative measures you can take to ensure eye health and good vision include regular eye examinations.  If you have a family history of vision disorders regular check-ups will help in early detection and treatment. Adults between the ages of 40-65 should have eye examinations at least every two years.  Those over 65 should schedule yearly check-ups.

Our vision is precious.  Maintaining healthy eyes requires few inconviences and the time taken to protect our sight is small in comparison to seeking emergency treatment.