Word of Advice

11 May 2009

Protecting your eyes

Don’t run with scissors! A healthy dose of common sense can help protect your eyes from sharp and potentially fast moving objects. Many ordinary items are involved in serous eye injuries for children and young people. In 2008, over 6,000 children aged under 15 sustained eye injuries at home. Teach your children to use flying, whirling, or sharp items safely to reduce the risk of an injury.

The seemingly innocent objects Common household items such as paper clips, bungee cords, wire coat hangers, rubber bands and fish hooks can cause serious eye damage. Household cleaners and soaps can also irritate eyes and cause damage. Keep hazardous items out of reach of younger children and let older children know that these aren’t toys.

Eyewear

It’s not just children at risk of injury. You can be a good example by using protective eyewear when doing hazardous activities like mowing the lawn or using power tools. Look at the sports that you are your children play and get appropriate protective eyewear if needed.

Toys

It is really important to read the instructions. Look for information about how to use the toy and decide whether children need to be supervised when they are using the toy. Check what age a toy is suitable for and don’t let younger children play with older children’s toys.

Some toys need a lot of space such as flying toys, toy weapons, and throwing games. Find a safe place for children to play with these toys. If you are not sure that your child will use the toy safely, leave it on the shelf. Avoid toys with sharp edges, spikes, points and rods.

First-aid for eye injuries If something sharp, like a fish hook, gets stuck in the eye, don’t pull it out, call an ambulance or go straight to the hospital. Pulling the object straight out may cause more damage.

If chemicals have gotten in the eye, wash the eye immediately with water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and then head to the hospital.

Any other injuries should also be checked by a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Eye injuries can be more serious that they first seem.