Are You Doing All You Can To Protect Your Eyes?

Your eyes are precious, but are you doing everything you can to protect them? Our ophthalmologist at Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis thinks you may be surprised to learn that most people aren’t taking advantage of one of the simplest things they can do to protect their eyes. Wearing protective eyewear — at home, at work, and when playing sports — can prevent about 90 percent of all eye injuries. But only 35 percent of respondents to a national survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology said they were consistently taking this simple precaution. 

Our ophthalmologist specializes in all aspects of caring for your vision, from performing eye examinations, to prescribing lenses and medications, to diagnosing and treating complex conditions. We want our patients to work with us to protect their eyes, and taking time to consider risks at home and elsewhere is immensely important.

You may associate the need for wearing safety eyewear with a construction site or factory job. But, in fact, an estimated half of eye injuries occur at home. Many of those injuries occur during routine tasks like yard work, home repairs, cooking and cleaning. Sports and recreational activities also account for many eye injuries.

The proper protective eyewear differs for each activity. Our ophthalmologist can discuss which type of safety glasses, goggles, and sports eyewear such as visors and face guards is right for you and your family.

And let’s not overlook damage that can be caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses and goggles should be capable of blocking 100 percent of those rays. Just because the lenses are dark doesn’t mean the glasses are performing this function.

Regular visits to our ophthalmologist at Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis is an important step in protecting your eyes. And so is choosing the right eyewear at home, at work, and at play. Please ask us about how to ensure you’re taking the right precautions during your next appointment!

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

August 28, 2023