Vision and Eye Safety

In Canada, every 12 minutes, someone in Canada loses their eyesight, 75% of this loss is preventable.  Every year, 720,000 people seek medical attention for an eye injury. In Ontario, nearly 3,000 people sustain work-related eye injuries. So the approach to eye health and safety is regular vision screening, especially in young children and prevention. Although work-related injuries are significant causes of vision damage or loss, most eye injuries occur outside a work setting. Here are some tips to help protect our eyes at home:

  • Point spray nozzles away from your face
  • Use grease shields on frying pans
  • Turn your face away when uncorking bottles
  • Clear rocks and stones before mowing the lawn
  • Trim low hanging branches in your yard
  • Avoid toys with sharp edges or points and  projectile toys(missiles, arrows etc)
  • Make sure toys are not damaged nor have any loose or broken parts and are age- appropriate

At the workplace, it is important for workers to follow all work safety procedures and precautions and be aware of hazards. They should also use appropriate and properly fitted eye protection designed for the specific duty or hazard.

Outside the home, aside for accidental injury, the biggest threat to our vision health is the sun.  Long term exposure tioe UV light rays increases the chances of developing cataracts (blurred and clouded vision)and AMD, which is the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over the age of 50. So it is important to wear sunglasses when outdoors during the day. The glasses should be large protecting the entire eye against 99% of UV-A and B rays. This applies year round and to the entire family including children.

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Pediatrician DR.PAUL Roumeliotis is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child’s physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect that your child has a medical condition always consult a physician.