It is important to be aware of risks to your eyes at home as it is to be aware of risks at work. Common household chemicals, such as polishes, detergents, bleaches, ammonia, and cleaners for ovens and drains may all irritate or even damage the eyes. It is wise to wear safety glasses when using these chemicals.
Your yard and garden are surprisingly dangerous places for your eyes. According to the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness, more than 5,000 eye injuries occur per year to people as they work on their lawns and gardens. Lawn equipment, such as mowers, cutters, and clippers may propel tiny pieces of lawn debris with great force. When pruning or trimming trees and bushes, sharp twigs or branches can snap back quickly into your face. Wear safety glasses or goggles when using mowers or trimmers, and make sure that children are not plyaing nearby.
Even personal grooming products, such as cosmetics, hair sprays and face creams can harm eyes if not used properly. You can minimize your risk of eye inflammations and infections by following these tips:
Wash you hands before applying any personal grooming product to your face.
Use Clean applicators
Be careful not to scratch or touch the surface of the eye when applying or removing cosmetics.
Purchase only reputable brands of cosmetics.
Replace mascara every three months.
Store cosmetics at temperatures lower than 85 degrees F.
Use clean water, not saliva, to moisten cosmetics if necessary.
Your eye makeup is for your use only. Never share personal grooming products, especially mascara.
If eye irritation or inflammation occurs, stop using all eye cosmetics and see your eye doctor.
If you are diagnosed with an eye infection from any source, discard all of your old eye makeup. Replacing your eye makeup can be expensive, but it is necessary to help prevent re-infection.
