Unite For Sight® Operation Teens
Spotlight on Prevention: Prevent Eye Injuries
More than one million people suffer eye injuries every year. More than 100,000 eye injuries occur annually during sports activities in North America alone. Make sure that you do not sustain eye injuries by taking steps to protect them.
How to prevent eye injuries:
- Do not run or walk while carrying household objects. Objects such as pencils, crayons, or toothbrushes can cause serious injury if you fall or trip.
- Avoid toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods or dangerous edges. Do not play with toys that fly or that fire projectiles of any type.
- Check your toys to see if they need repair or throw away any with sharp, broken edges. Put toys away when not in use to keep them away from areas where children walk or run.
- Keep away from fireworks.
- Make sure your eyes are protected either by a wide-brimmed hat or by wearing ultraviolet (UV) protective sunglasses. Never look directly at the sun (especially during an eclipse).
- Be sure to wear recommended protective goggles, helmets, and safety gear during the appropriate activities. Find out what the best type of eyewear is for your sport, and then wear it every time you play.
- Stay away from chemicals and other dangerous substances such as when aerosol products are being used.
- Stay away where a lawnmower or power tools are being used. Debris may be projected into the air at great speed and long distances.
- In the home, make sure spray nozzles are directed away from you before you use them. Turn spray nozzles away from your face and the faces of others.
- Read and follow directions when opening bottle-tops (i.e., soda bottles).
- Read and follow directions when playing games.
- Do not play with projectile toys such as pellet guns or bows and arrows.
