THE EYES HAVE IT

  • Published
  • By Tim Barela
  • Torch Magazine
Randolph Air Force Base, Texas --  An Aiman struck the head of a nail with a hammer. The nail head had some imperfections, that when struck, sent metal shavings shooting through the air. Three of the microscopic shrapnel ended up in the Airman's right eye. It didn't hurt. As a matter of fact, at the time, he wasn't even sure any foreign object entered his eye. But when he awoke the next morning, his eye was burning, red and swollen. He had to have fragments\ removed with a "surgical pick" and had to wear an eye-patch for a couple of weeks.

A Soldier was playing racquetball when a ball zinged off his opponent's racquet only to catch the Soldier squarely in the eye, detaching his retina.

A Sailor suffered corneal sunburn after a day at the lake.

All three mishaps had one thing in common. None of the servicemembers wore the appropriate eye protection.

Protecting your eyes from injury is one of the most basic things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life.

You may be somewhat aware of the possible risks of eye injuries, but are you taking the easiest step of all to prevent 90 percent of those injuries: wearing the proper protective eyewear?

If you are not taking this step, you are not alone. According to a recent national survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only 35 percent of respondents said they always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance; even fewer do so while playing sports.