Eye Injury Facts, Myths and Prevention Tips

EYE INJURY FACTS, MYTHS & PREVENTION TIPS Who is at the greatest risk? Prevention 90% of all eye injuries can be pre- vented by using protective eyewear. Age Group 25.4 % Children (0-18) Read the labels of chemicals and cleaners carefully. Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 injuries each year. 26.9% Older Adults ( 46 and older) 47.6% Adults ( 18-45 ) 10 20 30 Cushion sharp corners or edges of furnishing and home fixtures, especially if there are children. Gender Male ( 73 %) Keep tools in good condition; damaged tools should be repaired or replaced. Myths Female ( 27 % ) Most people believe that eye inju- ries most commonly occur on the job (specifically, construction and factory sites). However, nearly half of all eye injuries occur in the home. Use grease shields on frying pans to protect from splattering. Check the lawn or outdoor area where Location you will be working to be aware of any debris that may become projectile. Many people do not realize that eyes can be damaged by sun exposure as well, not just chemicals, dust, or objects. Sports / Recreational Activities ( 14.7%) Take care to make sure that all spray nozzles are directed away from you. Work ( 15.6%) Roads (11.4%) Home (44.1%) Affected Eye Area Schools / Farms Unspecified / Other ( 14.2%) Facts Men are more likely to incur eye Cornea 50.3% injuries than women. Conjunctiva Eyelids What causes eye injuries ? 48.9% More than 40% of eye injuries are caused by projects such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning, 38.3% Anterior Chamber 30.1% Projectile Objects (debris or nails) 17.9 and even cooking. Blunt Objects (construction hand tools or hardware) 13.3% 34.2% of eye injuries in the home occur in the following locations: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and Fingers, Fists, or other body parts 10.6% the living or family room. Sharp Objects 9.2% Eye Injuries are second only to cataracts as a cause of visual Sports Equipment 4.5% impairment. Automobile Airbag 4.4% Retina 18.3% 3.5% Paintball, BB Gun, Pellet Gun Orbit (eye socket) 15.4% Treatment Iris 14.1% Furniture / Appliance 2.1% Vitreous 13.5% Household Chemical 2% Lens 11.4% Do see a doctor or physician as soon as possible, preferably an ophthalmologist. Firearm 1.9% Sclera 8.3% Fireworks 0.68% Optic Nerve 7.9% Other 15.8% Unknown 5% Do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye. Do not try to remove the object stuck in the eye. Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye. For more information about the American Academy of Ophthalmology www.GetEyeSmart.org www.AAO.org