The Michigan Optometric Association recommends safety precautions during yard work
As the weather gets warmer, many residents will begin restoring their lawn and gardens after the harsh Michigan winter. Although yard work can be a relaxing activity for some, there is a high risk for eye injuries due to chemical burns or flying debris. The Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) recommends the following steps to ensure eye safety this season:
Safety glasses or goggles with side protection can guard the eyes from flying debris while operating a mower, line trimmer or other yard tools. Proper eye protection can also shield against sprays of fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful yard chemicals that can damage the surface of the eye.
Be sure to review all product instructions carefully and obey any warnings on yard chemicals and equipment.
UV radiation from the sun can cause many detrimental effects to the eye and eyelids. The radiation can cause cataracts, skin cancer of the eyelid tissue, and growths on the ocular surface. Another painful potential side effect is photokeratitis, a temporary sunburn of the surface of the eye. The MOA suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
For more information or to locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, please visit www.themoa.org.
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The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.