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A home improvement project can be an exciting undertaking, transforming a living space and enhancing its comfort, functionality, and visual appeal. However, these projects often produce sawdust, splinters, and other debris that can endanger your eyes and vision. Here are a few eye care best practices to protect yourself from injury as you work and clean up.

How to Protect Your Eyes During a Home Improvement Project

1. Wear Safety Goggles

There are many hazardous materials that can be produced during a typical home improvement project, such as wood splinters, paint splatters, chemical irritants, and dust. If any of these substances get into your eyes, they can cause significant pain, impair your vision, and require emergency treatment. 

For this reason, don't start work without polycarbonate safety glasses or a face shield. These items provide a strong defense for your eyes without compromising your eyesight or field of vision.

Eye Care

2. Work With Plenty of Light

When a work area doesn't have sufficient lighting, the risk of accidents and injuries increases. Without being able to see clearly, you're more likely to misjudge distances and the exact placement of tools and other objects, which can result in eye injury. 

Illuminate the workspace with as much light as you need to see without problems. For the best results, set up work lights and extra lamps while opening all the window treatments to let the sun in.

3. Know How to Respond to Emergencies

Time is of the essence in an eye-related emergency, and knowing the right steps to take beforehand will ensure prompt treatment. If a foreign body penetrates the eye, meaning it doesn't just get into the eye but actually punctures the eye, cover the eye with something rigid, like a paper cup taped to your face, and go to the nearest emergency room. If a foreign substance gets into the eye, rinse the eye thoroughly with water for at least 20 minutes before seeking medical attention from an eye care professional.

 

If you experience a non-emergency eye injury during a home improvement project, contact Daniel J. Kroger, O.D. For over 25 years, Dr. Kroger and his team have been serving the West Chester, OH, area with comprehensive eye care services, including preventive and diagnostic treatments along with eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Call (513) 777-3936 to make an appointment or visit their website to browse their services.

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