How to avoid eye injuries while working around the yard

By Dr. Andrew Pearson
UK HealthCare

When the leaves start changing, that means an increase in yard work for many. It also means an increased risk of eye injuries, but there are many ways to reduce those risks.

Risk factors for outdoor eye injuries: Using equipment like leaf blowers, weed whackers, mowers and lawn chemicals increases the likeliness of eye injuries or even blindness. The biggest risk factor is failure to wear proper eye protection.

Protective eyewear: When in doubt, stop, go back to the house and get safety glasses. Protective eyewear can also be purchased at a home improvement stores.  And, protective prescription eyewear can be prescribed by an eye care provider.

Symptoms of eye injuries: 

  • Pain: This can happen after an eye injury and can range from light discomfort to a sharp or even throbbing pain.
  • Swelling: This involves redness, puffiness and an enlarged appearance of the eyelids or surrounding areas.
  • Bruising: Bruising in the tissue around the eye is a common symptom of an eye injury.
  • Problems with eye movement
  • Bleeding: The white part surrounding the eye may be red, which is a sign an eye injury has occurred.
  • Change in vision: Such as blurred vision or seeing flashes of lights
  • Light sensitivity: Intolerance to light that causes pain or discomfort

When to seek medical attention for an eye injury: Seeking medical attention sooner rather than later is one of the best predictors of outcomes when an eye injury has occurred. Seeking help right after an eye injury decreases the likelihood of major complications.

Dr. Andrew Pearson is the chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Services at UK HealthCare.

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