When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is protecting their eyes, but it should be first on their mind.

October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, and eye doctors across the country are urging Americans to protect their eyes from the extraordinary damage often caused by the most ordinary of activities.

"More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each year," said local ophthalmologist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS. "But 90 percent of these eye injuries could have been prevented if the individual was wearing appropriate protective eyewear (with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame). "I tell people to keep a pair of goggles in the trunk for when they need to jump-start their car," says Dr. Frantz. "Battery acid sparks and debris flying from car batteries can severely damage the eyes."

Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders.

“I also warn people about one of the most dangerous activities, in terms of eye injuries," adds Dr. Frantz. "Each year hundreds of people end up with terrible eye injuries and burns from fireworks that are set off in the backyard.. The majority of victims are bystanders and children. There's just no way to use fireworks at home safely, even sparklers because they burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold. I tell all my patients 'Go see a show put on by the pros - it's safer, cheaper and more spectacular.'"
 
Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.
 
Editor’s Note: Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is a local board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract, cornea and LASIK surgery. He is medical director of Florida Eye Health with offices in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral and Naples. For more information, call 418-0999 or 1-800-581-0999.