EYECARE Eyecare Providers Put the Focus on Education During October's Eye Injury Prevention Month By Staff Wednesday, October 2, 2024 12:15 AM Eyemart Express touts eye safety and health tips for Eye Injury Prevention Month this October. Here, a woodworker sports safety frames by Wiley.FARMERS BRANCH, Texas—October marks Eye Injury Prevention Month, and Eyemart Express is partnering with its network of optometrists to highlight the proactive steps that people can take to prevent injuries and preserve their vision. In an announcement, Eyemart Express noted that eye injuries can happen in a split second and can have lifelong consequences, including permanent vision loss. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented with the right eyewear. "Wearing proper protective eyewear is one of the simplest ways to avoid serious damage to your vision," said Prayag Shah, OD, an independent optometrist at Eyemart Express in Rockford, Ill. "No matter where you are or what you're doing, make sure you have the right frames and lenses to shield your eyes."Dr. Shah believes it is important to be aware of the risks in every situation. He added that high-impact activities such as labor-intensive work and physically demanding sports can expose the eyes to harmful elements. He advises that selecting the right protection based on the situation is important to protecting the eyes, including: ● Safety glasses: Ideal for people who work in construction or industrial environments. Do-it-yourself enthusiasts should also wear safety glasses when working on home projects and doing yard work to prevent small, stray particles from entering their eyes and potentially scratching or harming them.● Computer glasses and blue light-blocking glasses: These glasses reduce the effects of digital eyestrain make them an ideal option for anyone who works in front of a screen or enjoys screen-related hobbies.● Sunglasses: Wearing sun protection reduces exposure to harmful UV light that leads to diseases and potential vision loss from cataracts, growths on the cornea and macular degeneration.● Athletic wear: Durable frames can help athletes improve performance and simultaneously protect their vision from any wild balls, elbows to the face or harmful outdoor elements.