Vision is an important function, and you don’t want to compromise your long-term eye health simply because it’s inconvenient to follow best practices. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and risks.
Balance may be something most of us take for granted, but did you know that as you age you may experience some changes in your ability to balance? Approximately one in five elderly people experience difficulties with dizziness or balance, and falling is the leading cause of injury in people aged 65 and older.
As we age, both vision and balance can be a bit challenging. Take special precautions to eliminate the possibility of falls in the home.
- Be sure rugs and bath mats are backed with a non-slip material
- Hand bars are helpful, along with good lighting throughout the home. Secure railings and move obstacles that could cause falls
- Put padding on sharp corners and edges
- Install at-home strip lights through hallways or dark rooms and low-contrast spaces.
Most people believe that eye injuries are most common on the job especially in factories and on construction sites. But in fact, nearly half of all eye injuries occurred in the home.
Home activities that can injure your eyes include:
The use of chemicals and cleaners - read the labels of cleaning supplies and other chemicals very carefully before using them. Don't mix products, and keep chemicals and sprays out of the reach of children.
Home Improvements - whether you’re making home improvements or mowing the lawn, always use proper eye protection. Debris can easily get into your eyes and cause problems ranging from irritation to serious damage.
Screws, nails, and hand tools can launch into the air—and into your eyes. Power tools can also send wood chips or other substances flying into the air.
Yard Work - lawn mowers, trimmers and even shovels can throw dirt and debris into the air. Branches, twigs and thorns can also be dangerous.
Cooking or using hot objects - use grease shields on frying pans to protect yourself from splattering of hot grease or oil. Keep a safe distance from open flames. Avoid using a curling iron near your eyes.
Don’t let curiosity get the best of you - never look directly at a firework, bottle cork, or other explosive or projectile devices if it doesn’t go off as expected. Dispose of the object in question in a safe place rather than inspecting it closely or studying it with your face in harm’s way. These objects tend to discharge unexpectedly after a delay. Eyes are often damaged in the process.
Unfortunately, only about three out of 10 people wear protective eyewear during home projects that could hurt their eyes. The good news? Simply wearing protective eyewear can reduce your risk for eye injury by 90 %
Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and risks, and wear eye protection.
Our eyes are a blessing
Sight is a gift that we should not take for granted. Eye damage is potent and for life, so it is important to take care of the one set of eyes we have.