By Dr. Melissa Vanray, O.D.

Did you know that an estimated 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year?  And 90% of them could be avoided!  Many eye injuries occur in the home, and since lots of us are spending lots of time at home lately, it is important to be aware of the facts and take proper precautions.  Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.  As an eye doctor, I have personally removed many foreign objects from the eye, the largest was a piece of wood about a half in long!  I have examined many red, irritated eyes over the years due to many types of injuries including household cleaners in the eye, construction paper cut of the cornea, scratched eye from infant’s fingernail, and hit with a foam dart gun in the eye, just to name a few.  These are all very painful conditions of which I hope you never have!

Preventative eye care is a big part of Vista Eye Care’s Mission, and by following these easy steps, we can keep our eyes and our family’s eyes healthy:

• Keep household cleaners, chemicals and sharp objects away from children
• Teach children not to run with objects in their hands and not to throw toys or objects at people
• Work together with your kids to make a similar list of eye safety rules
• Wear proper eye protection when doing household projects and sports
• Wear sunglasses outdoors

Vista Eye Care’s doctors and staff are here during to provide emergency services to the community; however, the best option is to prevent eye injuries in the first place!

If you do have an eye injury and experience redness, pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision, don’t hesitate to call us at (303) 450-2020.

Wishing you and your family good health and safety,

Dr. Melissa Vanray, O.D.