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It’s easy to take your eyes for granted. But these essential features are susceptible to threats that can impair your vision within seconds. Anything from car accidents to dust and chemicals can trigger problems like blurred vision or injuries. That’s why it’s so important to take action quickly if a foreign object or accident causes vision problems.
Read on to learn what you should do if your eye health is jeopardized!
Know What Can Compromise Eye Health
In any situation that threatens your vision, time is of the essence. It’s smart to be aware of the common situations that can trigger problems, as you may be able to mitigate risks. For instance, being in an environment like a factory or workshop can expose you to dust, glass, or shavings of metal that could make contact with your eyes. Similarly, spaces where you’re using solvents or other chemicals can be problematic.
Other common situations that can result in eye problems include sports games, concerts with intense flashing lights, or car rides. If you’ve suffered broken glass injuries in a vehicle collision, for example, you’ll need medical attention right away. Or you may encounter a sports injury or blunt force trauma around the eye that requires immediate care.
How to Take Action Quickly
When faced with an eye injury, you’ll want to use essential first-aid processes to prevent more serious complications. For starters, resist the temptation to touch or rub your eyes. You may make the problem worse and actually embed the dirt or glass shards into your eye. The better solution is to use water to flush your eyes. Remove contact lenses if you’re wearing them first. Keep your eyes open while doing this to gain the best chance of removing the irritant, whether from a chemical exposure or dust.
Ultimately, you want to avoid taking aggressive action. Don’t try to remove anything from your eye. Instead, protect your eyes from further irritation if you’re in a risky environment. Reach out for medical help right away, or ask someone near you to do so.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some situations can be treated without seeking a doctor’s help, other situations are more urgent. If you lose your vision even partially, it’s best to go to a clinic. If you see any blood around your eyes, notice cuts, or feel sharp pains, you’ll want a medical professional to take a look.
Experiencing double vision or noticing physical irritants in your eyes are other reasons to get help sooner rather than later. Don’t take chances with your eyesight. Go to an emergency room for immediate attention.
How to Be Prepared
Yes, accidents are possible even with the best safety precautions. But there are some strategies you can use to avoid threatening situations. For starters, prioritize eye care by wearing protective eyewear. If you’re clearing branches in the yard or working in a lab, wear coverings over your eyes. Make sure you’re working in illuminated spaces, too, so you’re able to see potential threats.
Do safety audits in workspaces and garages. A loose nail, broken glass, or angular edge could cause problems. Make sure to clean spaces regularly and wear eye protection while doing it. Understand that even small injuries, like scratches, can contribute to irreversible vision loss. It’s best to err on the side of caution in all circumstances, whether at home or work.
Keep Your Eyes Safe
A broken bone or scuffed knee can heal quickly. But an injury to your eye might be permanent. Be ready to administer first-aid care in the event of an injury, and get medical help right away in severe situations. You don’t want to be slow to act when it comes to dealing with vision impairment, even if symptoms do not seem significant. Take preventative measures to ensure a safe environment for your eyes, but be ready to jump into action if needed.
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