Statistics show that nearly half of all eye injuries happen in and around the home (according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology). What’s more: the number of eye injuries is steadily rising.
Your house is filled with potential threats that you might not even be aware of. InVision EyeCare reveals several common household items that could hurt your eyes, and offers recommendations to avoid an injury.
Many household cleaners contain harmful chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach, which can irritate the eyes. Even air fresheners can be bothersome. Read the labels on your cleaner carefully and follow all instructions from the manufacturer. Don’t mix products (ammonia and bleach can be a deadly combination). When using cleaners, keep the area you are working in well ventilated by opening windows and doors. Keep any spray nozzles directed away from you. Avoid using strong chemicals in small spaces.
Are you the type that likes to toast regularly with a glass of bubbly? Be careful — a cork can fly up to 50 mph when the bottle is opened. If the cork hits the eye, it can cause bleeding, scrapes or scratches on the eye, and even glaucoma. The AAO recommends keeping Champagne chilled (higher temperatures cause pressure to build inside the bottle), and avoid shaking the bottle excessively before popping the cork. Find more tips here.
Germs thrive in mascara and other liquid eye makeup products. Even though the eyelashes are supposed to keep debris and germs out of the eyes, coating them with a potentially germy mascara wand is risky. Experts recommend replacing mascara every three months to avoid the buildup of bacteria.
Hammering a nail or drilling a screw into a wall or cement can cause the object to go flying, or to send fragments off the surface. If you are working with screws, nails, bolts or any similar piece of hardware, shield the eyes with protective eyewear (e.g., safety goggles).
Contact lens cases build up a dirty film over time, even when cared for properly. This filth puts you at risk for a potentially serious eye infection and long-term vision problems. Clean your case daily with disinfecting solution and let it air-dry upside down. Be sure to swap out your contact lens case every three to six months to avoid eye infections.
If you daydream of a life without contacts or eyeglasses, the InVision EyeCare team would love to talk to you about laser vision correction surgery. A procedure such as surface LASEK or PRK can free you from dependence on visual aids and increase your quality of life.
Call us at (732) 210-0140 and schedule an informational consultation to discuss your treatment options in more detail.
