Jeepers Creepers! October is Eye Injury Prevention Month!

It’s hard to imagine, but Halloween is just around the corner! It’s time to don your scariest costumes and go Trick-or-Treating or scare up a good time with your friends and family by watching scary movies or perhaps gathering around a bonfire to tell a spooky story or two!

Want to hear something that might send a shiver down your spine?

More than 1 million people suffer from eye injuries every year in the United States. Yes, we said ONE MILLION! Sadly enough, 90% of those injuries could have been prevented if people had worn the appropriate protective eyewear or had taken the proper precautions.

But don’t get too scared! We have some great tips for you to help protect your eyesight! Check them out below!

IN THE HOME

*When using household chemicals, read the instructions and labels carefully! Use them in a well-ventilated area of your home, and be sure to point the spray nozzle away from you! Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently annihilate the surface of your eyes, which can result in blindness.

*Be careful around hot grease or oil while in the kitchen.

*Watch what you do when hammering or drilling into your walls. Even hanging a simple frame could cause a nail or screw to become a projectile or cause fragments of the wall to fly off and harm your eyes.

IN THE GARDEN

*Use protective eyewear before you use the lawn mower, a power trimmer, or an edger. They can pick up rocks and stones and throw them right at you.

*Protect those around you! Check for stones, rocks, and other potential projectiles before using the lawn mower so that children, passers-by, and even your pets are not harmed.

AT WORK

*Many of the 2,000 employees who attain eye injuries each day tend to not believe that they need eye protection or use their eyewear inappropriately. Be safe and wear the appropriate safety eyewear for your job.

*When working outside, protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses.

AROUND THE CAR

*Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use in case of emergencies or when tending to everyday repairs.

*Battery acid, sparks, and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Be proactive and wear protective eye gear when handling battery acid and other hazardous parts or features!

ON THE TEAM

*Eye injuries occur in sports, too! Protect your eyes while participating in sports such as baseball, hockey, basketball, cycling, and more!

*Don’t forget about paint balls, darts, and BB guns. Put on a pair of protective sports glasses before you play as these devices have the power to inflict serious injuries, vision loss, and blindness to you!

And finally, be sure to get your family in to Performance Eyecare for regular eye exams and screenings. Remember, prevention is the most important step in protecting your eyes from harm. If you do happen to experience an eye injury, seek medical attention immediately!

You only have one set of eyes – be proactive and protect your gift of sight! Call us today at (618) 234-3053 or check us out at our website at www.PerformanceEyecare.com to schedule an appointment or for more tips on how to protect your eyes!