Take precautions to protect your eyes

DUPAGE COUNTY—Many people don't think about protecting their eyes when they are working, exercising or just having fun, but it should be their first concern.

During Eye Injury Prevention Month in October, The DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that more than 1 million people suffer from eye injuries each year in the United States. Ninety percent of these injuries could have been prevented if the individual had been wearing appropriate protective eyewear.

The Health Department suggests that residents take the following precautions to protect their eyes:

• In the house - when using household chemicals, read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently destroy the surface of your eyes, resulting in blindness.

• In the workshop - think about the work you will be doing and wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and splashing chemicals. Many objects or substances can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause injury.

• In the workplace - wear appropriate safety eyewear for your job. Many of the workers who are injured each day don't think they need eye protection.

• Around the car - battery acid, sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jumpstarted auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use for those emergencies and everyday repairs.

Prevention is the first and most important step in protecting your eyes from injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. If you do experience an eye injury, seek medical attention promptly.

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