Ultraviolet (or UV) radiation carries much of the danger posed by sun. Sunburn to the skin and eyes can cause long-term damage when unprotected. We all love being out in the sun and enjoy the positive health benefits this brings, but it can also cause serious harm. Just like skin protection, everyone should protect his or her eyes when outdoors. The sun’s UV rays are a clear and present danger on a sunny day, but are equally harmful on overcast days and on snow/water, which reflects rays of light into your eyes.
To protect your eyes from the sun and UV damage:
Quality sunglasses with UV protection outdoors
Hat or cap with a wide brim, and take breaks in the shade
Never stare into the sun, especially with binoculars or during a solar eclipse
Scratched Eye (Corneal Abrasion) – Is the most common eye injury and easily can occur when gardening/mowing/line trimming or other weekend DIY work.
A corneal abrasion occurs when the top layer of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium) is scratched and thus damaged. It can happen from a poke in the eye or even a grain of sand/dirt entering the eye.
Avoided by wearing safety glasses or sunglasses.
Seek medical attention from an optometrist or eye specialist if this occurs.
Foreign body – This can be anything that doesn’t naturally belong in the eye, such as dust, wood or metal particles. Grinding, sanding, mowing and line trimming can all potentially cause foreign particle to enter the eye and get stuck in the corneal epithelium.
Avoided by wearing safety glasses or sunglasses.
Seek medical attention from an optometrist or eye specialist if this occurs.
