October is Eye Injury Prevention Month

With October being Eye Injury Prevention Month, eye care professionals like to remind people that eye safety in the home is extremely important and steps need to be taken to reduce the risk of eye injury. At particular risk are the elderly. While family members tend to be fearful of elderly parents falling and breaking a bone, eye injuries can be equally devastating. Most eye injuries occur at home and can be associated with a fall. Every year, 2.5 million eye injuries are reported. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risks of eye injury: 1. Check to make sure that rugs and bath mats are slip-proof. 2. Make sure railings are secured. 3. If there are any sharp corners and edges to furniture or other fixtures, be sure to cushion them. If an eye injury occurs, even if it appears minor, always seek the care of an ophthalmologist. Long-term eye health problems such as glaucoma and cataracts can develop as a result of an eye injury. Elise Ervin Staff Writer