Facial Protection to Prevent Eye Trauma

​Trauma to the eyes can lead to various types of problems, from a black eye to a shattered globe, but a large number of eye injuries are preventable. Here’s a reminder for all of us to protect our eyes from trauma. 

Where do eye injuries occur?

Eye injuries can happen anywhere. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, falls are the most common cause of eye injuries in the United States. But they can also occur in other situations.

Injuries to the eyes are common in the following situations:

Work-related injuries: Work-related injuries may include chemical splashes in the eye, flying debris, such as metal shavings, or blunt force. Most workplace injuries are preventable.

Sports injuries: Injuries to the eyes are also a result of sports. Possible injuries include a broken bone around the eye, ruptured globe, and corneal abrasion. Contact sports, such as football and hockey, pose a high risk, but other sports, including baseball and basketball, also lead to injuries.

Injuries at home: Eye injuries can occur at home in various ways. For instance, home improvement projects, yardwork, and hobbies can all potentially lead to an eye injury if you do not take the proper precautions. 
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Preventing eye injuries

Although you can’t walk around 24 hours a day with eye protection, there are times when using facial protection is vital to prevent injuries. Different types of protective eyewear are needed based on the activity you are doing. Below are some recommendations. 

Protecting the eyes at work

Eye injuries at work are prevalent. According to preventbindness.org, about 2000 people injure their eyes at work each day. Although some injuries can be minor, others may cause significant damage. It is estimated that about 10 to 20 percent of injures lead to vision loss.

Protective eyewear at work can make a difference. The type of eyewear recommended depends on the job you do and may include:

• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Wrap around safety glasses

When choosing eye safety equipment, use eye protection that is approved by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.  Your employer may also have protocols and guidance for what type of eyewear is most beneficial for the job you are doing. Typical jobs that require some type of protective eyewear include:

• Construction
• Automobile repair
• Welding
• Electrical work 
• Manufacturing 

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Protecting the eyes during sports 

Sports injuries occur in both children and adults. Wearing protective eyewear can greatly decrease the risk. Eyewear needed usually depends on the sport you are participating in.  For example, sports goggles may be enough for an activity, such as basketball, where the main injury may be a poked eye. Other sports that can lead to blunt trauma to the eye often require additional protection.

For football and hockey, where the risk of an eye injury is higher than in other sports, additional eye protection is needed. A helmet with a faceguard or visor shield is a good option. A visor shield should be made of polycarbonate to prevent shattering from an impact. Sports protective eyewear should meet the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standards. 
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Eye protection at home

Although eye injuries at home are common, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about 35 percent of people use protective eyewear during projects that have the potential to injure the eyes.  

Putting on a pair of safety goggles only takes a minute, but it can make the difference between an injury that leads to vision loss and protecting your eyes. Consider using eye goggles when doing the following:

• Mowing the yard
• Using chemicals
• Painting
• Using tools where flying debris is possible

We hope by taking the suggestions above, you reduce your risk of eye injuries. If you have any questions about eye safety or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please phone us at 508-746-8600.