When It Comes to Eye Injuries, Men's Eyes Have It

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - SAN FRANCISCO – Men suffer from nearly three times as many eye injuries as women, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) and the American Society of Ocular Trauma (ASOT). The annual Eye Injury Snapshot, a clinical survey of eye injuries across the U.S., conducted from May 16 to May 23 this year, found that men suffered the majority (73.5 percent) of the eye injuries. Annually, 2.5 million Americans suffer eye injuries and more than 52 percent of all injuries are taking place at home.

“It is often the most common household chores and activities that can lead to devastating eye injuries,” said Randolph L. Johnston, MD, president of the Academy. “Taking the time to protect your eyes while performing these tasks is the easiest way to protect your sight.”

In an effort to prevent the most common eye injuries, the Academy and ASOT recommend that every household in America have at least one pair of ANSI-approved* protective eyewear to be worn when doing projects and activities at home.

This was the seventh year that data was collected for the Eye Injury Snapshot. Among the key findings:

· One in four of the eye injuries occurring at home were due to play/sports

· Another 25 percent were due to home repair or power tools

* The yard and garden were the places people were most likely to suffer an eye injury in the home.

* Nearly half of the injuries reported were to people between the ages of 30-64, while children 12 years of age or younger represented about 12 percent of the injuries.
* More than 40 percent of eye injuries occur between noon and 7 p.m.

Learn more about eye injuries, get names of Eye M.D.s in your area or ask an Eye M.D. a question by visiting www.GetEyeSmart.org.