SUMMER EYE SAFTEY
Wisconsin Optometrists remind you to protect your eyes this summer
As summer approaches and the weather heats up, we begin to think about our favorite outdoor activities. Some of these activities are for recreation and some are just seasonal chores. When it comes to outside chores, landscaping is perhaps the most common and unfortunately the cause of many outdoor eye injuries. The Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA) recommends that you use caution when caring for your lawn this summer.
Operating at speeds up to 8500 revolutions per minute, many lawn care maintenance tools spin off tiny fragments, which can enter the eye along with dirt and grass debris. According to WOA President, Dr. John Bonsett-Veal, “the result of these flying fragments can cause corneal lacerations and fungal infections severe enough to threaten a person's sight.” In addition, Dr. Bonsett-Veal warns that “tree or bush branches can cause painful scratches to the eye, and dust from fertilizers and weed killers can cause burns or eye irritations.”
The Wisconsin and American Optometric Associations offer this advice to help prevent eye injuries around home this summer: Wear safety goggles made of polycarbonate--the strongest lens material available. You can find these at most hardware and discount stores. Don’t rely on ordinary prescription glasses for eye safety. Although they are impact- resistant, they are not safety eyewear. Chemicals and dust can easily get into the eyes. Not only can the sun damage your skin, it can harm your eyes as well. While you’re rubbing on the SPF 30, don’t forget sunglasses for the whole family. Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays and screen out 75 to 90% of light. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light over time can cause cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which are potentially blinding. Wide-brimmed caps and hats are also good, but can only eliminate about 50% of UV radiation from reaching the eyes.
Dr. Bonsett-Veal reminds everyone that if an eye injury does occur, apply these emergency care procedures and then seek treatment immediately at a hospital emergency room. For chemical splashes, flood the eye non-stop with low-pressure water for 15 minutes. For blows to the eye, apply cold compresses for 15 minutes, and see your eye doctor immediately. Never wash an eye that is cut or punctured. Bandage it lightly and go to the hospital. If an object is stuck into the eye, leave it there and seek treatment at the nearest hospital.
Last but not least, remember to see your eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive eye examination. Good vision is needed to read instructions on seed packages, fertilizer bags and weed killer bottles, and for spotting those pesky weeds. For more information, or to find a doctor near you, contact the Wisconsin Optometric Association at 608-824-2200 or visit the Doctor Locator at www.aoa.org
