Preventing Eye Injuries: How to Protect Your Vision From Scratches and Other Damages

Scratches and other damage to the eyes can occur due to various causes. These may include impact injuries, chemical exposure, and rubbing the eyes excessively. Scratches and other injuries to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, can be severe. They can disrupt vision and cause pain and discomfort.

Wear Protective Eyewear

Wearing protective eyewear can help protect your eyes from scratches and other injuries by providing a physical barrier between your eyes and potential sources of damage. It is crucial when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury, such as sports, woodworking, or using power tools. 

Protective eyewear is designed to be durable and resistant to impacts, scratches, and other types of damage. It may be made of materials such as polycarbonate, a strong, lightweight plastic that can withstand impacts and scratches. 

Handle Contact Lenses With Care

Contact lenses are meant to help correct your vision. But if you are not careful, they can harm your eyes. This is especially true if you have poor contact lens care and poor hygiene. 

You may transfer the dirt to your eyes, which can end up causing abrasions or tears on your ocular surface. Before you touch your contact lenses, wash your hands to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that could be transferred to the lenses.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

By being aware of your surroundings and taking appropriate precautions, you can help reduce the risk of eye injuries and protect your vision. It can help you identify potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. If you are aware of potential environmental dangers, you can take steps to protect yourself.

For example, walking through a construction site, you may need to be alert to avoid being struck by flying debris. Additionally, getting medical help if you have an eye injury is critical, as early treatment can help minimize the risk of further damage.

Protective Eyewear That Fits

But for the eyewear to be effective, it must fit properly. If the eyewear is too large or too small, it may not provide sufficient protection. If it is too large, it may allow debris or other hazards to enter around the edges. On the other hand, eyewear that is too small may not cover the entire eye area, leaving some areas vulnerable to injury.

Choosing the appropriate protective eyewear for the activity or environment is vital in ensuring it fits properly.

Do Not Use Sunglasses As Protective Eyewear 

While sunglasses can provide some protection for the eyes, they are not designed to provide the same level of protection as safety eyewear. Sunglasses are primarily designed to block harmful UV rays and reduce glare. 

They may differ in the level of protection they offer against impacts, debris, or other hazards that can cause eye injuries. Additionally, it may lead people to engage in activities without taking the necessary precautions to protect their eyes.

For more on preventing eye injuries, visit In Focus Vision Center at our office in Piscataway, New Jersey. Call (732) 313-2570 to book an appointment today.