Every day, about [2,000 U.S. workers](https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/why-do-i-need-safety-glasses) have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. Safety glasses, at a minimum, as well as goggles, face shields, welding helmets, or full-face respirators are required at all times for a number of jobs. These rules are strictly enforced. But what happens when we leave work and go home?

#### Home eye injury statistics

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

- Approximately [2.4 million](https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics) eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year; about half of these [occur at home](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-in-home)
- [90% of these injuries](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/preventing-injuries) could have been prevented by using protective eyewear
- ​Accidents involving common household chemical products cause approximately [125,000 eye injuries](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-in-home) each year

#### Dangerous home activities

- Painting, sanding drilling and hammering
- Nail guns ([14,800 nail gun incidents](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/tools/21017760/don-t-get-nailed-a-guide-to-avoiding-nail-gun-injuries) a year)
- Cooking and cleaning
- Yard work (ever get hit by debris when using a line trimmer?)

#### ​Protective eyewear reminders

- Get immediate medical attention for any eye injury
- Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous solvents and detergents, and do not mix cleaning agents
- Turn spray nozzles away from your face
- Read and follow directions when opening bottle-tops (e.g. wine, carbonated beverages). Many eye-related injuries are attributed to champagne corks
- Wear safety glasses when cutting grass or using a trimmer or edger
- Wear safety glasses when doing any woodworking activities
- Wear recommended protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities
- If you get something in your eye do not rub. If chemical-related flush the eye immediately for at least 15 minutes
- Do not remove objects that are stuck in the eye as this could cause vital fluids to leak out
- Do not wash eyes when dealing with cuts or punctures
- Use a cold compress to treat a blunt trauma injury such as a black eye, do not apply pressure

#### Protect your eyes at home as you do at work!



 

 

 



 

 

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