October is eye injury prevention month. More than one million people per year are affected by an eye injury and 90% of these injuries could have been prevented if protective eyewear was worn. Here are some facts and tips that can help protect your eyes from injury:
- The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals, battery acid, and workshop and yard debris.
- Eyes can be damaged by the sun, not just dust, chemicals, and foreign bodies.
- Wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jumpstarting your car, or working with cleaning or other chemicals.
- Always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities.
- Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns, or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
- In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
To ensure healthy vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends frequent, comprehensive eye exams every one or two years to prevent any serious problems.
If you would like to schedule an eye exam for you or someone you know, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.