Spring is right around the corner. Before long, we’ll be firing up the grill, dragging yard equipment out from the back of the garage, shooting hoops, or slathering on sunscreen at the beach. And when we do, we’ll take pride in being wicked tough New Englanders who just made it through the coldest winter in a decade.
But let’s also be wicked smart and protect our eyes while we’re at it.
Why Eye Protection Matters
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), 90% of eye injuries are preventable. Even more surprising: nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home—not on the job. Home repairs, yard work, cleaning, and even cooking can send debris or chemicals flying into your eyes.
Sports are another major source of injury. The AAO reports that 30,000 sports‑related eye injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year.
The good news is simple: most of these injuries can be avoided with proper protective eyewear.
What to Wear
The AAO recommends protective eyewear made from polycarbonate, a material that resists shattering and offers UV protection. The type of protection you need depends on the activity, but you should gear up if you’re doing anything involving:
- Hazardous chemicals or substances
- Flying debris, dust, or particles
- Sports with potential eye impact
And don’t forget the sun. UV rays can damage your eyes just as easily as chemicals or debris. Always wear sunglasses or sport‑appropriate UV‑protective goggles—yes, that includes ski goggles in winter.
If an Injury Happens
Eye injuries can range from minor to serious, and some problems aren’t obvious right away. It’s important to see a doctor after any eye injury to make sure nothing more severe is developing.
Protect Residual Vision
It is extremely important for people with low vision to protect their vision by wearing proper eye protection and contacting their eye doctor immediately if injury occurs.
For more information or if you or a loved one is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!
About the Author: Sandra Walsh is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist at Future In Sight.