Cooperative Living July 2014 - 22

HEALTHY TAKE
Protect Your Vision
E
ye injuries typically occur when something irritates the
outer surface of the eye. Common causes are when
foreign bodies get caught under the eyelid, or when
the surface is scratched from
contact with something like a lowhanging
tree branch. Other
hazards include things such as
exposure to chemicals and adhesives
and operating tools and
equipment. Household, workplace
and sports activities may
all place your eyes in danger.
ON-THE-JOB EYE
PROTECTION
At work, you may be
exposed to several hazards at
the same time. The right personal
protective equipment, including
safety goggles, can protect your
eyes against irritation and injury.
If you need prescription eyeglasses,
make sure your safety goggles have prescription lenses or
wear extra protection over your prescription glasses. Contact
lenses do not provide protection from on-the-job eye hazards. If
you wear them, be extra careful around gases, vapors, fumes
and dust, and wear appropriate eye protection for the task at
hand. Some occupations may even require a full-face shield,
such as a welding helmet.
OFF-THE-JOB EYE PROTECTION
Four out of 10 accidents that cause blindness happen at
home. Potential risks and risky activities might include do-it-yourself
work on cars and homes;
cooking accidents; chemical
splashes from cleaning sprays,
drain cleaner, fertilizers and
pesticides; yard work, including
use of a weed whacker or tree
trimmer; and sports activities,
especially sports such as tennis
and baseball. To stay safe, all
family members should wear eye
protection. Yet another risk to eyes
comes from bright light: during
sunny outdoor activities, choose
sunglasses that are labeled to
offer protection from the sun's
ultraviolet rays. 
Source: American Optometric
Association, National Eye Institute
COPRID/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
What to Do in Case of an Eye Emergency
CHEMICAL SPLASH:
* Hold eye open with thumb and index finger and flush
with cool, clean water.
* Get medical help as soon as
possible, and if you can, bring
the chemical container and its
label for evaluation.
FLYING PARTICLES:
* Do not squeeze the eye to try
to remove anything embedded in
the eye - you could cause further
damage.
* Cover both eyes to prevent eye
movement and get medical help
as soon as possible.
20
EYESTRAIN:
* Glare, poor lighting and long periods spent at video
display terminals can cause eye fatigue, soreness and
headaches.
* Experts recommend keeping your eyes at least an arm's
length from a computer screen and 16 inches away
from a handheld device.
* Make sure your diet includes plenty of omega-3 fatty
acids and includes leafy green vegetables, which
contain the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin that can
reduce the effects of glare and exposure to bright light.
* Give your eyes plenty of rest and try taking a blinking
break: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20
seconds, then blink your eyes several times.
* Improve the quality and amount of lighting, and adjust
the brightness setting on handheld devices as needed. 
Cooperative Living/July 2014
DARREN FALKENBERG/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
NASTIA11/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
Cooperative Living July 2014

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