JUST THE FACTS

  • Men are more likely to sustain an eye injury than women.
  • Nearly half (44.7 percent) of all eye injuries occur in the home.
  • Over 40 percent of the injuries reported were caused by projects and activities such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking.
  • More than 40 percent of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.
  • Eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just chemicals, dust or objects. Wearing sunglasses can help.
  • Among all eye injuries reported, more than 78 percent of people were not wearing eyewear at the time of injury. Of those reported to be wearing eyewear of some sort at the time of injury (including glasses or contact lenses), only 5.3 percent were wearing the appropriate safety or sports spectacles.
-- Eye Injury Snapshot Study,
American Academy of Ophthalmology