Eye Safety During Storms: Protecting Your Vision

When living in coastal communities, it's crucial to prioritize eye safety during storm preparation and cleanup. Prevent Blindness emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your eyes from potential hazards. Here are some essential tips to keep your vision safe in stormy situations.

1. Wear Proper Safety Eyewear

Whenever there's a possibility of eye injury, wearing the right protective eyewear is a must. Whether you're preparing for a hurricane or cleaning up after one, here's what you should keep in mind:

• Hurricane Preparation: When getting ready for a hurricane, such as boarding windows or securing your home, make sure to wear safety glasses with side shields. These glasses provide protection against flying debris, particles, and dust that can be stirred up by the storm.

• Post-Hurricane Cleanup: If you're involved in the cleanup efforts after a hurricane, especially if you may encounter hazardous chemicals, opt for goggles. Goggles offer superior protection against chemical splashes, while safety glasses shield your eyes from potential flying objects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offer additional safety recommendations for disaster cleanup, so be sure to follow their guidelines.

2. First Aid for Eye Emergencies

In case of an eye injury, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Here are some basic first aid instructions for eye injuries:

• Rinse the eye gently with clean, lukewarm water if you suspect debris or chemicals have entered the eye.
• Do not rub the eye, as this can cause further damage.
• Cover the eye with a clean, sterile dressing or a protective shield, such as a paper cup.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any eye injury, as prompt care can prevent vision loss.

3. Plan for Your Eye Health

Include your eye health in your hurricane emergency preparations. Consider these steps:

• Pack an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, along with any necessary vision medication, in your hurricane emergency kit. This ensures that you can see clearly and manage any vision-related concerns during the storm.
• Ready.gov provides additional information on assembling a comprehensive emergency kit, including items for eye care.

4. Eye Care Assistance

In the unfortunate event that you are impacted by a disaster and require assistance with vision and eye care services, there are resources available. Refer to the Prevent Blindness Vision Care Financial Assistance Information for guidance and support.

Prioritizing eye safety during storm preparation and cleanup is essential for preserving your vision. By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can protect your eyes and maintain good eye health even in the face of challenging weather conditions.

Author

David Greening, ABOC, BS(HONS) Ophth. Dispensing David is a licensed optician, and has been in optics since 2002. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing in Kent, England (2014). He has extensive experience, having managed his own practice for many years prior to arriving at Astorino & Associates Eye Center. He is a licensed American optician (ABOC) and is well-recognized for his quality of service, attention to detail, and patient care. He left our practice January 2024.