Eye Safety to Prevent Injury

Being aware of some practical eye safety information can be very helpful in preventing eye injury. Prevent Blindness America reports that 2.4 million eye injuries occur each year, with nearly 1 million resulting in some degree of vision loss. About 90 percent of these injuries are avoidable, when the right eye protection is worn, reports the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The most common eye injuries are:

• Cuts or scrapes from flying objects, such as metal and wood chips, that become embedded in the eye
• Burns from steam, infrared light or splashes of chemicals, grease or oil
• Infections from contaminated substances, such as splashes of blood or respiratory droplets or other products on fingers that are used to touch or rub the eyes

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires workers to use eye and face protection whenever there is a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented with proper equipment, such as goggles, face shields or safety glasses. The best way to avoid eye injury in the workplace or from household chores, activities and tasks is to wear proper protective eyewear. If you have questions or need assistance with protective eyewear selection or fitting please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930. Should you or someone you know have the misfortune of experiencing an eye injury please visit the nearest emergency room where the physician can call our office as we always have a doctor on call for emergencies.

If you or someone you know wishes to learn more about how to prevent eye injury, schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or http://www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205